Conservatives and Modernists
Art around 1900

The Berlinische Galerie’s collection begins with works from the latter half of the 19th century, an era of radical upheaval. Berlin, a Prussian trading hub and seat of monarchs, became the capital of the new German Empire following unification in 1871. With advancing modernisation it became the biggest industrial urban centre in the country. Many people migrated from rural areas into the city, exacerbating social inequalities. Women resolutely demanded their rights and entered fields once dominated by men.

The artists of the time reacted in very different ways. The imperial court, aristocrats and the wealthy, conservative bourgeoisie mostly favoured traditional art in its conventional forms: history painting, portraits and nudes. Many of these works honoured and idealised the clients who commissioned them. Modern artists reacted to the new social changes with new ideas. They took a greater interest in rural life outside Berlin, exposed social inequalities in the city and raised fundamental questions about the content and purpose of art.