Biographical sketch of Theodor Fontane's wife
Image gallery
Französischer Dom
Emilie Fontane, wife and companion of the famous writer Theodor Fontane, is celebrating her 200th birthday in 2024. To mark the occasion, the Huguenot Museum is now also showing the special exhibition "Emilie200", an exhibition developed by the Theodor Fontane Archive in Potsdam and the Theodor Fontane Society, in Berlin.
Some important stages in the Fontane family's life are closely linked to the French Reformed community in Berlin, to which the family belonged. The couple were married here, their children were baptized and they are buried in the churchyard in Liesenstraße. The French Cathedral, which houses the French Church and the Huguenot Museum, is therefore just the right place for this special exhibition about a remarkable woman who supported her famous husband's literary work in many different ways.
The exhibition shows objects from Emilie's personal biography, provides an insight into the extensive correspondence between Emilie and Theodor and presents documents that shed light on her role in her husband's life and work. She was not only a loyal wife and mother, but also supported her husband's literary work in practical and intellectual ways: by writing letters and books, editing and evaluating his texts, copying his manuscripts, but also as an agent and networker.
A particular highlight is the "Reading Lady" by Adolph Menzel. Painted in gouache, the portrait shows a lady reading on a pleasure boat. On the reverse is a dedication from Menzel to Emilie. The painter, who was a friend of the Fontanes, gave her the approximately postcard-sized painting as compensation for a lost bet. The work of art has been in the possession of the Theodor Fontane Archive since 2022.
The special exhibition shows a biographical sketch of Emilie and provides very personal insights into the life and work of Mrs. Theodor Fontane.
Opening: 29 November 2024, 6 pm.
Please register by 28 November at: buero@franzoesische-kirche.de
Admission 6€, reduced 4€.
Children and young people under 18: free admission
