Tag Archives: Berlin Bodemuseum

Artful living

Berlin is not exactly on my thesis map, since my greatgreatgrandfather grew up not here in former Prussia, but in the southwestern Bavarian Pfalz. Nevertheless, I’m so glad I came, if only to visit the 19th century art exhibit at the Berlin Bodemuseum.

I take over 100 photographs ohne Blitz, bitte (without flash). The paintings depict Biblical scenes and romantic landscapes, but also close-ups of artful living. I am especially indebted to Menzel for his painting of a 19th century rolling mill, and Hasenclever for his scenes of men reading newspapers and tasting local vintages.

“Look at that lamp,” I comment to Wolf as we peer at Hasenclever’s Reading Room. “It looks more modern than I would have thought.”

“Perhaps,” he says, “we could pick one up at IKEA.”

Later, Wolf and his family prepare a feast of grilled lamb, zucchini and eggplant, hummus, tabouleh and pita for their friends Elke and Werner and me. We talk and laugh late into the evening.