New Secession

The New Secession was an association of expressionist artists that emerged in Berlin between 1910 and 1914. Led by Georg Tappert and Max Pechstein, this movement was born from a rejection; 27 expressionistic works were excluded from a 1910 exhibition of the Berlin Secession, prompting these artists to form their own group​​​​.

This period was significant in introducing and consolidating expressionism in Germany. The New Secession was diverse, including members from the Bridge group in Dresden, future members of The Blue Rider from Munich, and artists from other European regions. Their artworks were characterized by bold colors, emotional intensity, and a departure from realistic depictions​​​​.

The fourth exhibition of the New Secession in November 1911 marked a high point, but it also signaled the beginning of the group's dissolution. Internal disagreements, particularly after Max Pechstein lost his presidency, led to key members leaving. The group's disintegration coincided with the emergence of Der Blaue Reiter, which further explored and expanded the expressionist movement​​.

The final exhibition of the New Secession was held in 1914, marking the end of a brief but intensely creative period that had a lasting impact on German art. Notable members included Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Wassily Kandinsky, and Franz Marc, among others, who played crucial roles in the development of modern art​.

For art collectors and enthusiasts, the New Secession offers a window into a dynamic and transformative era in art history. The movement's contributions to expressionism set the stage for modern art developments in the 20th century. To learn more about this influential movement and stay informed about related collections and events, sign up for our updates.