“Veluti in Speculum,” created by Hans Hofmann in 1962, is an influential artwork in the Abstract Expressionism movement. This oil on canvas piece measures 215 x 186 cm and is located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US. This abstract genre painting is celebrated for its vivid use of color and geometric shapes.
The artwork features broad, overlapping rectangles in a vibrant palette that includes hues of yellow, green, brown, pink, blue, and orange. Hofmann’s technique highlights contrasting colors, which seem to vibrate against each other. Blocks of yellow dominate the composition, interspersed with other colors that create a dynamic and balanced visual harmony. The interplay between the bold, flat planes of color and the subtle variations in tone and texture manifests Hofmann’s mastery in abstract expression. His distinct push and pull technique is evident in the layering of the colors, creating a sense of depth and movement within the static geometric forms.
