The Chemnitz Art Collections have announced they will receive a significant donation of 42 important artworks, including major pieces by prominent German Expressionist artists Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Erich Heckel, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. The donation comes from the renowned Gerlinger Collection, owned by entrepreneur Hermann Gerlinger, and represents one of the most substantial acquisitions in the museum's recent history.
General Director Florence Thurmes described the donation as extraordinary good fortune and an exceptional gesture. The wide-ranging collection includes oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints, and sculptures spanning various periods of German Expressionist art. The museum plans to showcase these new acquisitions in a special exhibition running from October 18 through February 1 at the Art Collections' location on Theaterplatz.
Among the highlighted works is Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's painting "Two Men," which museum officials say will significantly enrich their existing collection in terms of art historical importance. Another standout piece is Karl Schmidt-Rottluff's "Du und ich" (You and I), a double portrait of the artist and his wife created in 1919, the year of their marriage. Additional works include Schmidt-Rottluff's "Blumen für Erich und Siddi von Karl" (Flowers for Erich and Siddi from Karl) from 1960, executed in colored chalk and ink.
The Gerlinger Collection ranks among Germany's most important private collections, particularly focused on members of the Die Brücke (The Bridge) artist group. For decades, a substantial portion of the collection was displayed at the Moritzburg Art Museum in Halle. However, following a disagreement in 2016, Gerlinger withdrew his collection from the museum. Part of the donation is specifically designated for the newly opened Karl Schmidt-Rottluff House, which launched this spring as a dedicated museum celebrating the Chemnitz-born artist.
The donation includes works that span different media and periods, offering visitors a comprehensive view of German Expressionist art. The pieces range from early experimental works to mature masterpieces, providing insight into the artistic development of these influential painters. The museum emphasized that this acquisition will allow them to present a more complete narrative of German Expressionist art and its connection to the city of Chemnitz.
The upcoming exhibition will mark the public debut of these works in their new permanent home. Museum officials expect the display to attract significant attention from art enthusiasts and scholars, given the historical importance and artistic quality of the donated pieces. The exhibition represents a major cultural event for Chemnitz, which currently holds the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.
