Cultural History

Abstract paintings were being produced even before Kandinsky. Completely independently from each other, Georgiana Houghton (1814–1884) in England, Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) in Sweden and Emma Kunz (1892–1963) in Switzerland developed an individual, abstract pictorial language. What they had in common was a desire to make visible the laws of nature, the intellect and the supernatural. Their works are being presented side by side for the first time in an exhibition.

Wilhelm Kuhnert was a pioneer. He was one of the first European artists to travel to the largely unexplored savannahs and jungles of the German colonies in North and East Africa. Under hazardous conditions he documented at close quarters the fascinating animal and plant world and then created in his Berlin studio monumental paintings which were much sought-after on the art market.

James Loeb (1867–1933), the son of a German-Jewish banker in New York, followed his artistic and art historical inclinations and used his tremendous financial wealth for the purpose of cultural and social philanthropism. This publication examines the patron’s life and work and outlines his scholarly achievements.

"Yigal Gawze’s photographs capture the abstraction, the simplicity and the optimism of early modernism in Tel Aviv. He distils the essence of the Bauhaus to bring it alive in a modern city and concentrates on the subtle effects of natural light upon architecture, a technique that the masters of the modern movement themselves applauded." Nonie Niesewand, design editor & author

Seen as an expression of individuality and personality, fashion around 1900 became a synonym for the physical and social emancipation of women and progressed to become an object of artistic interest. The clothes designs of famous artists like Heinrich Vogeler, Henry van de Velde, Josef Hoffmann and Sonia Delaunay reveal both a new aesthetic and a new attitude to the role of women.

The sports cars of the 1950s to the 1970s are fast, beautiful, eccentric and innovative. In recent decades these automobiles not only became coveted collector’s items; they also enjoy cult status. In an exciting journey through time the volume presents 25 outstanding sports cars as design icons and illuminates their presentation in film and photography.

DHC/ART LIBRE tells the story of a contemporary art foundation unlike any other. Situated in the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, DHC/ART – as well as this publication – is dedicated to bringing impactful experiences with contemporary art to the public with a mission of accessibility on multiple levels. The critically acclaimed program includes major artists from around the world, like Christian Marclay, Joan Jonas and Yinka Shonibare MBE.

DHC/ART LIBRE tells the story of a contemporary art foundation unlike any other. Situated in the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, DHC/ART – as well as this publication – is dedicated to bringing impactful experiences with contemporary art to the public with a mission of accessibility on multiple levels. The critically acclaimed program includes major artists from around the world, like Christian Marclay, Joan Jonas and Yinka Shonibare MBE.

Giambologna (1529–1606) is regarded as the most important European sculptor between Michelangelo and Bernini. How did he achieve this status? This volume investigates this question and examines above all Giambologna’s study of Michelangelo, his all-powerful role model, and how he successfully prevailed.   

The Chocolate Girl is one of the most famous works by the Genevan artist Jean-Étienne Liotard. This richly illustrated volume leads the reader through the age in which it was created during the French-inspired Rococo and into the Vienna of Empress Maria Theresa, where the work was painted. It also explains the art of pastel painting, in which this enchanting work has been executed.