beyond prussia's glory – the "other" Anton von Werner

On Sunday 22 March at 11.00 am, the special exhibition "Beyond Prussian Glory – The 'Other' Anton von Werner" will open at the Viadrina Municipal Museum.

Many people still know him from school textbooks: the painter Anton von Werner (1843–1915) and his iconic history paintings of German history – such as "The Proclamation of the German Empire (18 January 1871)". He was the son of a master carpenter from Frankfurt (Oder). He became known above all for his photographically accurate paintings.

The new special exhibition presents the "other" Anton von Werner: An artist who can be categorised as academic realism. On display are studies for compositions of historical events, impressions of journeys and landscapes, illustrations and decorative commissioned works. The exhibition is also dedicated to Werner's constantly growing family through numerous private portraits.

The paintings and drawings on display come from the collection of a private collector in Berlin. This is the first time his collection has been presented in the artist's home city. Two long-lost portraits, which have been in the possession of the Viadrina Museum since the 1990s, are also on display. Historical documents from the Frankfurt city archives complement the show.

The exhibition can be viewed from 22 March to 31 October.
The Viadrina Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.