Artistic breakthroughs by two revolutionary modernist sculptors
Camille
Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger: Emancipation from Rodin is the first exhibition in over a century to bring together the
sculptures of Camille Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger. Hosted by the Alte
Nationalgalerie from 6 June 2025 to 28 September 2025, this rare event highlights
the individual stories of the artists and how they broke free from the shadow
of the famous French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger: Emancipation from Rodin is the first exhibition in over a century to bring together the
sculptures of Camille Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger. Hosted by the Alte
Nationalgalerie from 6 June 2025 to 28 September 2025, this rare event highlights
the individual stories of the artists and how they broke free from the shadow
of the famous French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
Image gallery
Camille Claudel, L’Implorante (petit modèle), Detail, Entwurf 1898 (Guss um 1905?), Bronze, Alte Nationalgalerie Foto: courtesy of Bowman Sculpture Gallery, London, UK
Bernhard Hoetger, Les Adieux (Der Abschied), Detail, 1904 Fotonachweis: Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum, Bremen, Sammlung Bernhard Hoetger, Leihgabe aus Privatbesitz / Foto: Jürgen Nogai, Bremen
Camille Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger at a glance
The
exhibition features the works of Claudel and Hoetger, both of whom were
influenced by Rodin before ultimately seeking their own artistic voices.
Their careers crossed paths multiple times in Paris, a meeting place for
artists during the fervour of modernism. Claudel, the former student and
lover of Rodin, is known for her emotionally charged sculptures that
moved beyond her mentor's influence. Meanwhile, Hoetger, a German sculptor,
also lived and worked in Paris, contributing significantly to early
20th-century modern art.
Camille Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger highlights
- Unique historical focus: The first exhibition since 1905 to bring together Claudel and
Hoetger's works, focusing on their journey of artistic independence from
Rodin.
- Rare artworks: Highlights include Camille Claudel's famed sculpture The Waltzers and Hoetger's small impressionistic sculptures.
- Collaborative effort: A partnership between the Alte Nationalgalerie, Paula
Modersohn-Becker Museum and Musée Camille Claudel.
- Thematic exploration: An in-depth look into the German-French cultural exchange at the
turn of the century.
- Exclusive catalogue: A bilingual, illustrated exhibition catalogue will be available for
enthusiasts wanting to dive deeper into the artists' histories and works.
Discover Camille
Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger
"Emancipation
from Rodin" is a significant cultural event that provides insight into
the personal and artistic development of both Claudel and Hoetger. Claudel's
story is particularly compelling; she fought against the constraints of being
known merely as Rodin's pupil and muse, carving out her own identity in a male-dominated art world. Her powerful sculptures often convey the raw
emotion of her struggle, earning her recognition as one of France's great
sculptors.
Although Hoetger
is less well known internationally, he had a profound impact on German art in
the early 20th century. His time in Paris and his collaborations with
influential figures of the time allowed him to cultivate a style that was impressionistic yet rooted in the traditions of German expressionism. By placing their
works side by side, the exhibition offers an enriching narrative of cultural
exchange, influence and the pursuit of artistic independence.
Top tips for Camille
Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger
- Tickets can be purchased online through the website of the Staatliche Museen
zu Berlin. Discounts are available for students, seniors and visitors
with disabilities.
- The Alte Nationalgalerie is
located on Museum Island in Berlin-Mitte. Public transport options include the underground line U5 (Museumsinsel), S-Bahn
(Friedrichstraße, Hackescher Markt) and several bus lines (Staatsoper,
Lustgarten).
- The gallery is wheelchair
accessible, but certain areas may have limited access. It's recommended
to contact the venue in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
- Take advantage of your time on
Museum Island to visit the Pergamon Museum or the Berlin Cathedral Berliner Dom,
both of which are a short walk from the Alte Nationalgalerie.
