Charles C. Hofman (American 1821-1882), oil on tin Views of the buildings and surroundings of the Berks County, Pennsylvania Alms-House, with a central oval bird's eye view of the complex within an ornate border, surrounded by eight smaller vignettes of the outbuildings and the State Seal of Pennsylvania, signed right Charles Hofman painter 1878, retaining its original walnut frame, 32 1/2" x 39 1/2". This work was painted for Samuel Schoener who provided Hofman with a barn to sleep in and liquor to drink in return. It has descended in the family to the present owner. It was shown at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller exhibit in 1968. This is probably the most exuberant and detailed Almshouse painting extant. Original frame. Very minor small paint flakes to left edge. Vibrant strong color. Original slightly yellowed varnish.