Berlin is hosting a major exhibition of Caspar David Friedrich’s iconic landscapes to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his birth. The show is taking place at the Alte Nationalgalerie and includes some of Friedrich’s most famous works, such as “Monk by the Sea” and “Abbey among the Oaks.” These paintings, which date back to 1810, were acquired by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia. In total, the exhibition showcases 115 paintings and drawings by Friedrich, highlighting the progression of his career.
Despite Friedrich’s paintings being meticulously based on drawings, museum director Ralph Gleis emphasized that they are not a direct reflection of nature but instead represent visions on the profound questions of human existence. Friedrich, born in Greifswald in 1774 and passing away in 1840, was largely forgotten in the latter half of the 19th century. However, a 1906 exhibition in Berlin celebrating a century of German art brought him back into the limelight, positioning him as a master of light and atmosphere.
The new exhibition in Berlin is built upon the foundation of the 1906 exhibition, showcasing 45 of the works that were displayed over a century ago. Friedrich’s association with nationalism, particularly during the Napoleonic wars, is evident in paintings like “Rocky Valley,” featuring the tomb of Arminius, a German national hero from Roman times. Gleis noted that Friedrich’s work is characterized by its openness to interpretation, with the Nazis attempting to appropriate him. Post-World War II, the English-speaking art world played a key role in reviving interest in Friedrich, portraying him as a “universal artist.”
The Berlin exhibition is one of three major displays in Germany commemorating the 250th anniversary of Friedrich’s birth. The museums in Berlin, Hamburg, and Dresden are collaborating on these exhibitions, with the Hamburg exhibition having already closed after attracting large numbers of visitors. The Dresden exhibition will open in August, and the German museums plan to support a later exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to share Friedrich’s work with a global audience. Titled “Caspar David Friedrich. Infinite Landscapes,” the Berlin show will run from Friday until August 4, with the museum extending its opening times to accommodate the anticipated high demand.
