Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism - Hardcover

by Anette Hüsch (Editor), Josephine Klinger (Editor), Franziska Lietzmann (Editor)

A history of Impressionism in Germany, retold through the gallerist at the movement's center.

All the leading figures of French Impressionism found their way to the gallery of Paul Cassirer (1871-1926). Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Monet, and van Gogh--that these great names are found in so many collections today is largely thanks to Cassirer. This richly illustrated volume traces the footsteps of the art dealer from Berlin whose engagement in cultural circles and work as a gallerist contributed decisively to Impressionism's eventual acceptance and appreciation in Germany.

The Berlin-based art dealer was also committed to the promotion of German Impressionism, supporting Berlin Secession painters such as Liebermann, Corinth, and Slevogt and championing many avant-garde artists, including Munch, Barlach, Kirchner, and Modersohn-Becker. This volume presents outstanding works of Impressionism and classical modernism that found their way into museums and collections thanks to Cassirer's influence.

Author Biography

Anette Hüsch was director of the Kunsthalle zu Kiel from 2010 to 2025 and has been director of the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin since March 2025. Josephine Klinger (née Hein) has been a research associate at the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin since 2022 and is completing her doctorate on Paul Cassirer at the Technical University in Berlin. Franziska Lietzmann has worked on various exhibition projects for the Alte Nationalgalerie since 2015 and is researching the museum's history.