Romanticism and Modernism
This presentation of the collection draws various threads through the holdings of the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz. Spanning three centuries, it traces the course of these stories, weaving together different art forms, from painting to textile art. It showcases outstanding examples of 19th- and early 20th-century paintings alongside decorative art objects and textiles. These pieces emphasise Chemnitz’s significance as a hub of the textile industry at the beginning of the 20th century. Sensual stockings, lace, silks and patterned cloths testify to a time when a growing middle class was developing a new lifestyle. Work led to prosperity, and prosperity led to education and beauty. Many entrepreneurial families in the city provided significant support to the newly founded Kunsthütte, and later to the newly built Kunstsammlungen am Theaterplatz. Poignant dialogues between paintings, sculptures, posters, and artefacts reflect what was valued and desired in Saxony at that time. Contemporary art interventions highlight the ongoing interest in engaging with the collection.
