A city in the fever of Caspar-David-Friedrich
Greifswald, Caspar David Friedrich's Birthplace, Celebrates the Painter with Three Exhibitions.
"Lichtgestalt" is read on a large poster right next to the Greifswald Railway Station. Nearby is the striking portrait of the painter Caspar David Friedrich, born in this northern German Hanseatic city on September 5, 1774, at Langen Gasse 28, right behind the Dom. He was the sixth of ten children. His father was a soapmaker and candle maker. His mother was a housewife. When Caspar David was not even eight years old, his mother passed away.
Some of his sisters also left this world at a young age. His brother Christoffer had a fatal accident in front of his eyes while ice skating. Only a strict belief in God helped the siblings and the father through their losses. Religion remained a steadfast anchor and main theme of the Romantic painter's work throughout his life.
Those who want to actively participate in the exhibition festival for Friedrich's 250th birthday would have surely been in Hamburg Art Gallery or the Old National Gallery in Berlin. Such blockbuster exhibitions that Greifswald cannot afford, but a visit to the Pomeranian State Museum in conjunction with a city tour is worthwhile. In no other place in Germany will you encounter so many reminders of the painter in the streetscape: information signs, directional signs, posters, wayfinders - anyone traveling to the University City of Greifswald will be accompanied by "CDF" in the historic center.
"Chalk Cliffs on Rügen" for the First Time in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
"Life Lines" is the title of the special exhibition at the Pomeranian State Museum. This impressive museum with a large historical permanent exhibition on several floors features six paintings, more than 60 drawings and prints, as well as numerous archival materials and letters about one of the most comprehensive collections of original materials from Caspar David Friedrich's life and work. This extensive collection will be shown for the first time almost in its entirety. In addition to the artworks, the original baptismal record from 1774, his brother's death certificate, early drawing attempts, and pious verses from the Bible can be seen.
High-value loans from national and international museums can be admired in the following exhibitions in Greifswald. His "Chalk Cliffs on Rügen," come (after the end of the Berlin Special Exhibition) for the first time for seven weeks to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Enhanced by depictions of the "Greifswald Harbor" and the "Ruins of Eldena in the Riesengebirge," this 2nd Special Exhibition (from August 18, 2024 to October 6, 2024) explores Friedrich's "Longing Places" in Swedish Pomerania. A Friedrich tribute from photographer Volkmar Herre, who reintroduces the "Chalk Cliffs" and their magnetic pull with the Camera obscura, complements the art show.
And since all good things come in threes, "Meadows near Greifswald & Greifswald Harbor" (from October 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025) follows. Caspar David Friedrich remained closely connected to Greifswald, the place of his childhood and youth, throughout his life. A striking testament to this is the painting "Meadows near Greifswald," housed in Hamburg. Enhanced by drawing preparations, city views of his contemporaries, and a room collage to explore Friedrich's meadow landscape.
Art Pilgrimage on Foot
Independent of the Museum's opening hours or the painter with the "CDF"-Center, visitors to Greifswald can embark on a "Art Journey on Foot". A specially created walking route takes you past several interactive stations, encouraging creative engagement with Friedrich and his time. Along the way, you can discover, among other things, the legendary "Blue Flower", a running band for your own hikes, or a time capsule from 1818.
While in Greifswald, visitors can follow the numerous tips and discover a series of attractions: from the historical Museum Harbor, through the Old Market with the Town Hall, to the University and St. Nikolai Cathedral, St. Mary's or St. Jakobi Church, the ramparts or by the city at the Bodden the ruins of Eldena Monastery.
Should there still be travel reserves and knowledge gaps regarding "CDF", one can look forward to a journey to Saxony, as the Albertinum will open its next major special exhibition at the end of August: For over 40 years, Dresden was the focal point of the painter's life, and many of his masterpieces were created here.
Pommersches Landesmuseum,Rakower Straße 9, 17489 Greifswald, until 4. August
In honor of Caspar David Friedrich's 250th birthday, visitors to Greifswald can explore "Life Lines" at the Pommersches Landesmuseum, showcasing six paintings, numerous drawings, and personal records from the artist's life. Furthermore, the internationally acclaimed piece, "Chalk Cliffs on Rügen," will be displayed in Greifswald for the first time after its Berlin exhibition, inviting art enthusiasts from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and beyond to immerse themselves in Friedrich's artistic legacy.
