Kirchner’s ‘Sunday of the Mountain Farmers’ Embarks on Historic Journey to Bern – A Major Win for Art Lovers
Bern, Switzerland – August 18, 2025 – In a moment eagerly anticipated by the art world, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s monumental painting, “Sunday of the Mountain Farmers,” has begun its journey from Berlin to Bern. This isn’t just a relocation; it’s a homecoming, a reunification, and a significant event for fans of German Expressionism. This breaking news is already generating buzz, and we’re bringing you the details as they unfold. For those following Google News and seeking the latest SEO-optimized art updates, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
A Painting’s Long Journey and a Carefully Orchestrated Move
For over 40 years, “Sunday of the Mountain Farmers” has resided in the German Chancellery, a prominent fixture in Berlin’s political landscape. But now, after careful coordination with the German Federal Chancellery and approval from the Chancellor’s office, the painting is making its way to the Kunstmuseum Bern. The move itself was a delicate operation, requiring a crane to carefully lower the artwork from the building and transport it. It’s expected to arrive in Bern just a week before the opening of a landmark exhibition.
Reunited at Last: ‘Sunday of the Mountain Farmers’ and its Counterpart
The significance of this transfer lies in the painting’s connection to another Kirchner masterpiece, “Alps Sunday. Scene at the fountain.” These two works were originally exhibited together in 1933 at the Bernese Kunsthalle, forming the centerpiece of the most comprehensive Kirchner retrospective during the artist’s lifetime. Kirchner himself curated the exhibition and penned the accompanying catalog, making this reunion particularly poignant. The pairing offers a unique insight into Kirchner’s artistic vision and his exploration of rural life and the burgeoning anxieties of the modern era.
Kirchner: A Pioneer of German Expressionism
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) was a leading figure in the German Expressionist movement, known for his emotionally charged landscapes and depictions of urban alienation. His work often reflected the social and psychological tensions of early 20th-century Germany. “Sunday of the Mountain Farmers” and “Alps Sunday” are prime examples of his style, characterized by bold colors, distorted forms, and a sense of unease. Understanding Kirchner’s context is crucial to appreciating the power of these paintings. He wasn’t simply painting what he *saw*; he was painting what he *felt*.
“Kirchner X Kirchner”: An Exhibition Not to Be Missed
The Kunstmuseum Bern’s upcoming exhibition, “Kirchner X Kirchner,” running from September 12, 2025, to January 11, 2026, promises to be a major cultural event. The reunited paintings will be presented alongside other works by Kirchner, offering a comprehensive overview of his artistic career. This exhibition isn’t just for art historians; it’s an opportunity for anyone interested in experiencing the raw emotion and innovative techniques of one of the 20th century’s most important artists. The museum is anticipating a significant influx of visitors, so planning your trip in advance is highly recommended.
The return of “Sunday of the Mountain Farmers” to Bern marks more than just a change of location for a beloved artwork. It’s a celebration of artistic heritage, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a thrilling preview of an exhibition that promises to captivate audiences for months to come. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and other essential art world updates. Explore our archives for more in-depth features on Expressionism and the life and work of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner – your gateway to a richer understanding of modern art.
