A Woman's Life Devoted to Art: Margarete Mauthner

Margarete Mauthner (1863–1947), née Alexander, came from an upper-class Berlin family and was one of the most influential collectors and patrons of Berlin’s art scene around 1900. Among others, she supported Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, Vincent van Gogh, Henry van de Velde, and Erich Hancke. Her collection consisted primarily of Impressionist works, Art Nouveau, and works associated with the Berlin Secession. By lending works for exhibitions, she helped bring greater visibility to modern art in Germany.

Mauthner was also active as a translator and author. Among other things, she translated letters by Vincent van Gogh and published works associated with the Bruno Cassirer publishing house. In her previously unpublished memoirs, written in 1917, she describes Berlin’s art and cultural life, personal friendships, and social networks. At the same time, the writings offer insights into her family’s history, the Jewish middle class, and the political and social upheavals of the 19th century. The manuscript was later published under the title *Das verzauberte Haus* (The Enchanted House ).

Persecuted as a Jew, Mauthner helped relatives emigrate during the Nazi era. In 1939, she herself fled into exile in South Africa, where she died in Johannesburg in 1947.

A lecture by Anna-Carolin Augustin, a reading by actress Marta Dittrich, and a subsequent discussion with curator Rebecca Herlemann will focus on this self-assured figure in the art world, a committed patron of modern art, and a keen observer of her social surroundings.

The event thus offers a multifaceted exploration of Mauthner’s life, her cultural engagement, and her literary work, which has remained largely unknown until now.

Bucerius Kunst Forum
Alter Wall 12, 20457 Hamburg

Welcome Stefanie Jaschke-Lohse, Head of the Art and Culture Division at the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS
Lecture, Discussion, Reading Prof. Dr. Anna-Carolin Augustin, historian; Marta Dittrich, actress; and Rebecca Herlemann, curator at the Bucerius Kunst Forum

Tickets 18 regular / 10 reduced / 4 euros for Members and Young Members (includes exhibition ticket)

Online tickets