- Greifswald or Dresden - city bet on romantic Friedrich
In the Caspar David Friedrich Year, Greifswald, the birthplace of the German Romantic, challenges Dresden, his adopted home, to a city bet. The challenge is to see which city can bring more people dressed in the style of the Romantic era to their central square on September 5th, said Dresden's Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP). "We want to show that this is where the artist lived and worked for 40 years," he said.
At least two elements of Romantic costume are mandatory: a top hat, bonnet, or wide-brimmed hat tied under the chin, and a scarf or shawl over the shoulders and arms, a floor-length or knee-length dress or skirt, a classic waistcoat, or a distinctive beard, like Friedrich's, which can be painted on, stuck on, real, or a false beard.
Both mayors are confident in their city's citizens. Hilbert is optimistic and invited people to gather on the Neumarkt dressed in costume for Friedrich's birthday. Greifswald's Mayor Stefan Fassbinder also has faith in his city and its guests. "Together, we will show that Greifswald is the true Caspar David Friedrich city," he said.
Dresden was Friedrich's home until his death in 1840. Here, he created his masterpieces, studied the works of the old masters in the Gallery, and participated in art debates. He found inspiration for his paintings in the surrounding nature, such as the Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland.
If Dresden wins, Fassbinder will lead Greifswald's citizens on a tour of the city in the fall. If Greifswald wins, Hilbert will invite three couples from the participating group to the 2025 Semperoper Ball. In addition, a new monument will be inaugurated at Friedrich's grave site during the Dresden celebrations, and the Elbland Philharmonic Orchestra of Saxony will give a free birthday concert at the Albertinum, where many of Friedrich's masterpieces are preserved and displayed.
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The artist whose birthday is being celebrated, Caspar David Friedrich, spent 40 years of his life in Dresden, where he created his masterpieces and found inspiration. Mayor Hilbert encourages Dresden's residents to dress as the artist for the city bet, emphasizing that "we want to show that this is where the artist lived and worked."
