Surrounded by rich silks and patterned wallpapers, playful still lifes of familiar devices suggest 17th Century Dutch paintings. “Still Life with Robot” continues my exploration of vintage tech begun in my 'Tech Vanitas' series. The figure of the young woman is enlivened by the fluidity of the antique drapes. The eagle supporting the young woman seizes in its claws the thunderbolt (the beam of fiery lightning), the attribute of Zeus.

In her right hand she holds a golden goblet and in her left hand an ewer.

A garland of flowers coming from the back goes over the knees and down again on the eagle. A large blue scarf passed over the shoulder covers her knees and flies in the wind. Delicately made-up oval face, dominated by large blue-gray eyes is surrounded by powdered hair, raised, releasing the forehead and the ears, and of which some locks fall on his shoulder. Seen from the front, the princess is dressed in a low-cut white chiffon dress, exposing her throat. Large and imposing portrait of the young princess portrayed seated on an eagle in the heavens. Louis XIV style giltwood and cardved wood frame Presumed portrait of Elisabeth Thérèse Alexandrine of Bourbon-Condé, Mademoiselle de Sens, depicted as the goddess Hebe kidnapped by Zeus, transformed into an eagle. In 1973, Martin Hoffman landed his first solo exhibition at the OK Harris. He was a self-taught painter and a gifted drummer who had worked as an art director for the Miami News, Graphic Arts Inc., and Steiner & Wall Advertising. Martin Hoffman was a versatile artist and illustrator, mostly known for his paintings. The frame has a few scratches but is otherwise in good condition. The condition of the painting is great, with hardly any signs of wear. It is titled 'Ribbon' and is dated '73.' Additionally, the artist specifies that the painting is part of the 'Jersey Meadow Series.' It is ready to hang and comes with a silver-painted frame. The painting measures 151cm x 202cm / 59.5in x 79.5in and is signed 'Martin Hoffman' on the reverse side of the canvas. The warm shades of grey with hints of blue, brown, and purple create a limited yet powerful palette that enhances the melancholic beauty of the painting.

Hoffman's landscape creates an almost mesmerizing effect, where the subject matter of destruction and decay is presented poetically. This contemporary painting depicts an abandoned landscape with a hypnotic blue plastic ribbon at its center. From the 1970s onwards, Hoffman's career showcased a masterful combination of beautiful painting techniques and challenging subject matter. Introducing 'Ribbon,' an extraordinary painting from the 'Jersey Meadow Series' by Martin Hoffman in the 1970s.

Art & fear by david bayles