John Hafen
(1856 – 1910)
About
John Hafen was an Swiss artist who moved to the United States with his family at six years old to join the Saints in Utah. Hafen had an interest in art from a young age and once his family was settled in Payson, he began training with pioneer artists who then encouraged him to continue his studies outside of Utah. In 1881, Hafen, along with other young artists, founded the Utah Art Association which produced exhibitions and provided workshops for aspiring artists. Though Hafen studied in Paris and studied academic paintings, he eventually shifted to painting landscapes as he was inspired, in his own works, to “[c]ease to look for mechanical effect or minute finish, for individual leaves, blades of grass, or aped imitation of things, but look for smell, for soul, for feeling, for the beautiful in line and color.”
Springville, My Mountain Home
Oil on canvas, 1907
Springville, My Mountain Home demonstrates this angelic approach to depicting landscapes. Nearing the end of his life, this painting seemingly signifies Hafen’s nostalgia as he reminiscent on the stunning mountain view in Utah. With a warm palette, he creates a warm, comforting depiction of a rural landscape he came to know during his life.
Quaking Aspens, Brighton
Oil on canvas, 1907
Though painting was more of a hobby than career for John Hafen, his works are known as “masterpieces of Utah art,” which is displayed in his painting Quaking Aspens, Brighton. As the title suggests, this painting portrays the incredible abundance of Quaking Aspens in Brighton, Utah. Through a warm palette, Hafen seemingly creates a welcoming and familiar environment in many of Utah’s mountains, reflecting the beauty in its landscapes.