Pilgrim

The painter and notable graphic artist Arnošt Hofbauer is from the strong generation of the 1890s artists. They were naturally inspired by Paris art, responding to contemporary artistic tendencies from impressionism over the decorative Art Nouveau to dreamy symbolism. Hofbauer’s painting Pilgrim of 1905 refers to the latter. A figure that is slowly walking to the stone sanctuary (dolmen) is followed by a black panther. This motif refers to the period literature as well ¬– to a figure of a lonely roaming artist who is finding his place in the contemporary world, yet to no avail. It may have been inspired by the Wandering Jew which appeared in art of that time rather frequently.