Berliner Sezession

German artists organization

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July 16, 2026

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The Berliner Sezession was a group of progressive artists who broke away from established, conservative art organizations in Germany. Founded in 1892 by Max Liebermann, a proponent of German Impressionism, the movement included artists like Lovis Corinth.12

The Sezession movement, which also had branches in Munich and Vienna, favored newer styles like Impressionism and Art Nouveau over prevailing academic traditions. Liebermann, known for his naturalistic depictions of working people, became a leading figure in this artistic shift. Despite the group's anti-establishment stance, Liebermann achieved significant recognition, even becoming president of the Berlin Academy before being forced to resign by the Nazis.12

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Max Liebermann
In 1899 Liebermann founded the Berliner Sezession, a group of artists who supported the academically unpopular styles of Impressionism and Art Nouveau. Despite his association with the antiestablishment Sezession, he became a member of the Berlin Academy, and in 1920 he was elected its president. In 1932 the Nazis forced…
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In 1899 Liebermann founded the Berliner Sezession, a group of artists who supported the academically unpopular styles of Impressionism and Art Nouveau. Despite his association with the antiestablishment Sezession, he became a member of the Berlin Academy, and in 1920 he was elected its president. In 1932 the Nazis forced…
Read More