Lost Art History: Jewish Collectors in Germany

Jewish collectors played a pivotal role in establishing modern art in Germany from the German Empire through the Weimar Republic. They were among the first to collect Impressionist paintings in the 1880s and later championed Expressionism and New Objectivity. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, they were persecuted and murdered or forced into exile, while their collections were confiscated and dispersed. One such collector was Jakob Goldschmidt, who is featured in a section of the exhibition The Impressionists: Monet, Morisot, Renoir and Their Network.

Art historian Stefan Koldehoff has spent many years researching Jewish collectors and their legacy. In conversation with Michael Philipp, Chief Curator of the Museum Barberini, he will discuss their vital contribution to the development of modern art in Germany.

Stefan Koldehoff has worked as a cultural editor at Deutschlandfunk since 2001 and has served as its chief cultural correspondent since 2023. He has published books on Vincent van Gogh, art forgery, art theft, and Nazi-looted art. He is the curator of an exhibition on Jewish collectors, currently on view at the Bucerius Kunst Forum in Hamburg.

Michael Philipp is the chief curator of the Barberini Museum.

Lost Art History: Jewish Collectors in Germany
Stefan Koldehoff in conversation with Michael Philipp
Thursday, November 19, 7 pm, Museum Barberini
Tickets: €14/10 (including admission to the exhibition from 5:30 pm on the day of the event)