Art in Germany at the turn of the 20th century still reflected the political situation prior to the formation of the German Empire in 1871 under Otto von Bismarck: the German art establishment glorified the reigning dynasty and depicted historical subjects.  No national patterns or movements had yet emerged, unlike in France, where the forces that combined to shape developments in art were gathered in Paris. 

However, in Munich, Dresden and Berlin, powerful impulses reached Germany from France  - Impressionism arrived simultaneously with the products of the French reaction against pure Impressionism via exhibitions of Van Gogh, Seurat, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec.  This Post-Impressionism had a far stronger influence on the younger German artists.  The rising generation stood on the threshold of the new century, full of conviction and faith.   Come and hear Beth Stein discuss the seismic changes that took place in the German art world, through the work of these leading-edge artists who dared to challenge convention. 

This program was made possible by a grant from Mass Cultural Council.

This program was made possible by a grant from Chatham Cultural Council.