Lovis Corinth: Then came Berlin!

Exhibition at the Berlinische Galerie, Berlin, 9 October 2026 – 25 January 2027

Lovis Corinth (1858–1925) is regarded as one of the most important figures of German Impressionism. During his lifetime, the painter was one of the most prominent figures on the Berlin art scene. Born and raised in Tapiau, East Prussia, he left Munich to settle in the imperial capital in 1900. At that time, Berlin was already considerably more progressive than the Bavarian provincial town. Corinth is said to have commented on his rise to prominence on the banks of the Spree as follows: ‘It only really took off in Berlin.’

This exhibition catalogue focuses on Corinth’s career and his major influence on Berlin’s art scene, but also on his private circle, which played a decisive role. Less well-known themes illustrate just how modern the artist’s painting, life and thinking were: Corinth’s painting school, where he taught mainly women, and his work for the Berlin theatre.