Secessions

The term secession at the end of the 19th century represents the artistic breakthrough into modernity. Art is striving for freedom. Avant-garde artists showcase their innovative creations at secession exhibitions. In doing so, they present the public with innovative art movements and help establish movements like Impressionism and Symbolism in the German-speaking world. The novel associations of artists in secessions marked a departure from traditional artist associations and established structures towards new artistic freedom. The most significant secessions in the German-speaking world emerged in 1892 in Munich, 1897 in Vienna, and 1899 in Berlin, and are still associated with their prominent figures Franz von Stuck, Gustav Klimt, and Max Liebermann. The volume illustrates the artistic diversity through over 200 works by around 80 artists from the secessions in Vienna, Munich, and Berlin, as well as from international guests like Hodler, Munch, Rodin, Segantini, and Toorop.