Dancers 1895

Lovis Corinth made this print, titled "Dancers," using etching techniques. It's a scene of swirling movement and perhaps even frenzy, embodying some of the artistic themes prevalent in Germany at the turn of the 20th century. Corinth was part of the Berlin Secession, a group of artists who broke away from the established academic art institutions. They sought to challenge the conservative artistic norms of the time. Here we see them rejecting the rigid standards of classical ballet in favor of a more expressive, uninhibited dance style that reflects the changing social and cultural landscape. The rise of modern dance in Germany challenged traditional social mores and expectations, offering new modes of expression and female emancipation. To fully understand this artwork, we can look at archival documents of the Berlin Secession to learn about their manifestos and exhibition catalogs, as well as researching the history of dance in Germany. This will help uncover the rich layers of social and institutional context that shape its meaning.