Theo von Brockhusen „Colors in Light"

The exceptional painter Theo von Brockhusen (1882–1919) created his intensely colorful landscapes primarily around Lake Schwielow near Potsdam. This monographic exhibition dedicated to him also introduces fellow artists and companions who helped establish modern art in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Why did an independent artists’ association form in Berlin, counting among its members Theo von Brockhusen, Käthe Kollwitz, Max Liebermann, and Karl Hagemeister? What were their artistic intentions in portraying “colors in light”?

A painterly journey through Europe invites you into Brockhusen’s light-filled pictorial world.

"I spent three wonderful years here and found more than just beauty – I found harmony in nature. Harmony seems to unite everything here in one sound, so that I believe that without the owner of this hospitable establishment, without her tireless management of this hospitable establishment, Baumgartenbrück would be a strange place."
Entry by Theo von Brockhusen in the guest book of the Baumgartenbrück restaurant, Baumgartenbrück/Geltow, June 1909)

More details about the exhibition

Theo von Brockhusen was an important post-impressionist artist who lived in Berlin from 1904 onwards, but created his most important paintings at Schwielowsee in Geltow. His entire oeuvre was produced between 1902 and 1919.

Like many of his fellow painters, Brockhusen travelled to other European countries, where he explored the avant-garde art of Impressionism as inspiration for his own work. He was a member of influential artists' associations such as the Berlin Secession and the Free Secession, which were founded in Berlin and presented works of art that broke with the traditional art tradition. Atmosphere and light became the focus of German modernism's conception of colour and form.

It was due to Brockhusen's personal circumstances that he died at the age of 36 and, because of his early death, was not among the well-known names of the Berlin Secession such as Heinrich Basedow the Elder, Lovis Corinth, Philipp Franck, August Gaul, Curt Herrmann, Karl Hagemeister, Dora Hitz, Fritz Klimsch, Georg Kolbe, Käthe Kollwitz, Max Liebermann, Walter Leistikow, Emil Pottner, Oskar Moll, Julie Wolfthorn and Lesser Ury. His work, dominated by colourful landscapes, has been increasingly rediscovered by the art trade and museums in recent years.

This special exhibition will be dedicated to this extraordinary painter, who was only granted a few years of life and creative work, and will use his example to present the establishment of German Impressionism in Berlin and Brandenburg around 1900. The monographic part of the exhibition is supplemented by works by selected contemporaries who trace the development of German Impressionism in the thematic context of landscape.

Picture gallery: Theo von Brockhusen

Vorherige Weiter

Picture gallery for the second part of the exhibition: Contemporary Artists

Vorherige Weiter

An exhibition spread over two floors.

Curator: Dr Hendrikje Warmt, research assistant for the Modern and Contemporary Art Collection at Potsdam Museum
Exhibition assistant: Lisa-Marie Lohan, research intern for art at Potsdam Museum

Opening hours - Admission fees & online tickets

OPENING HOURS
Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

ONLINE TICKETS

ADMISSION PRICES
€7, reduced* €5

Free admission: 
Children and young people up to and including 18 years of age
Severely disabled persons with a degree of disability of 50% or more (for ‘B’ also their accompanying person)
Groups of 6 or more persons:
Individual price £6

Potsdam Museum annual pass:
€35 / reduced* €25
Valid for 1 year from the date of issue for unlimited visits to our exhibitions. Non-transferable.

*Discount available (upon presentation of appropriate proof):
School pupils and students