The exhibition is dedicated to Ewald Friedrich von Hertzberg (1725–1795), Minister of State as well as owner of the Britz estate, and to Bernhard Rode (1725–1797), a historical painter from Berlin. In the second half of the 18th century, during the reign of Frederick II, the politician and the artist played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Prussia.
Image gallery
Johann Friedrich Nagel: Brietz, Som̄er Wohnung des Ministers von Hertzberg, um 1795. © SPSG / Daniel Lindner
Their double anniversary presents a great opportunity to explore their relationship, personalities and association with Frederick II. After Frederick’s death, both men played a role in the glorification of the monarch, a legacy that continues to this day. They were also jointly responsible for the redesign of the Britz mansion. Although its original furnishings have been lost, the interior has been brought back to life by numerous loans.
The permanent exhibition also features three contemporary artistic interventions that explore various facets of the 18th century. Deborah Jeromin presents her research into historical silkworm breeding, with a particular focus on production in Britz under Hertzberg, while the painter Bodo Rott reinterprets Rode’s paintings in the former ‘gallery’. Thilo Westermann explores chinoiserie designs in Britz, highlighting the cultural references and trade relations with Asia that were established during the Baroque period.
- Curated by: Christian C. Schnell, Dr. Martin Steffens, Rebekka Liebmann
The exhibition is made possible through the generous financial support of the Friends and Patrons of Schloss Britz e. V.
