With Pen and Pencil: Drawings from Classicism to Art Nouveau

Spontaneous feather sketches, elaborate studies in pencil and vibrant watercolours – art created on paper is filled with variety and immediacy. The graphic collection of the Augustiner Museum presents a high-quality selection of its freehand drawings from the 19thcentury, many of which are being exhibited for the first time. Prominent artists such as Joseph Anton Koch, Carl Spitzweg, Anselm Feuerbach and Hans Thoma are represented. From classicism via romanticism, the Biedermeier period and realism up to and including art nouveau, a wide range of topics, techniques and styles are revealed.

The exhibition reflects the concerns of people at that time. Humorous and satirical caricatures form a counterpoint to classical austerity. Folios stemming from the romantic and Nazarene movements are characterised by religious fervour and nostalgia for the Middle Ages. Later too, artists devote themselves to myths and legends; profound works of the symbolist movement originate. The transformation of middle-class and peasant society is impressively illustrated before our eyes in portraits and scenes of everyday life, portrayed in either an idealistic or a realistic way. The central issue of the century, however, is the landscape. Detailed vedutas and fascinating studies of the open countryside show far-reaching changes in perception.

The art of the drawing has many facets, be it as ablueprint of ideas for a painting or sculpture, an exact template for print graphics or as an autonomous artwork. Different aspects are brought into focusin a compelling mise-en-scène; the role of the art college as a “school of drawing” is also highlighted. Various techniques are presented and a“have-a-go” area enables visitors to create their own simple exercises – either alone or, at specific times, with the help of instructors.