Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism

Exhibition at the Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin, 2 May – 27 September 2026

All the leading figures of French Impressionism found a home in Paul Cassirer’s (1871–1926) gallery. Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Monet and van Gogh: if these great names feature in so many collections today, it is largely thanks to Cassirer. The Berlin art dealer was also committed to promoting German Impressionism, supporting painters from the Berlin Secession such as Liebermann, Corinth and Slevogt, and championing numerous avant-garde artists, notably Munch, Barlach, Kirchner and Modersohn-Becker.

This exhibition catalogue offers a history of Impressionism in Germany, told through the eyes of the gallery owner at the heart of this movement. It traces Cassirer’s career and presents exceptional works of Impressionism and classical modernism that have found their way into museums and collections thanks to his influence.