Symphonie in Schwarz: Eine Spurensuche zwischen Lebensreform, Frauenbewegung und Boheme

Oskar Zwintscher's portrait of a lady smoking a cigarette has cult status at the Albertinum in Dresden. Andreas Dehmer and Susanna Partsch search for clues to the identity of the woman, finding emancipated women who earned their living as artists, actors, or writers and regarded smoking as a symbol of independence. They follow them to metropolises like Berlin, Dresden, or Munich, where they lived as part of the bohemian scene, creating a captivating picture of art and life around 1900.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

In 1904, the renowned Saxon artist Oskar Zwintscher created a captivating portrait that has since attained cult status at the Albertinum in Dresden. The depicted woman, with her loose hair and a burning cigarette held casually in her hand, sits in front of a black curtain, exuding a confident demeanor. However, what remains a mystery is the identity of the young woman who appears so assured in the picture. To unravel the secrets behind this enigmatic figure, Andreas Dehmer and Susanna Partsch embark on a fascinating search for clues.

Through their research, they discover a group of emancipated women who defied societal conventions and pursued artistic, acting, or writing careers. These women, known for their preference for the reform dress over the corset, viewed smoking as a symbol of independence and self-expression. They follow these trailblazing individuals to metropolises like Berlin, Dresden, or Munich, where they lived as part of the vibrant bohemian scene.

Through their meticulous exploration, Dehmer and Partsch paint a captivating picture of the intertwined world of art and life around 1900. They showcase the diverse experiences and perspectives of these women, who challenged traditional gender roles and embraced a more liberated lifestyle. The portrait of the lady smoking becomes a window into a bygone era, where creativity, individuality, and a sense of adventure flourished.

This search for the unknown not only sheds light on the lives of these remarkable women but also highlights the rich cultural and artistic landscape of the early 20th century. It serves as a reminder of the power of art to capture the essence of a time and place, and to inspire us to continue exploring the depths of human identity and experience.

Dimension: 210 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783422801158