Germans waiting to enter the popular show. ~Metropolitan Museum of Art
Degenerate Art
Two Important Influences
“The Complete Works of Charles Darwin Online.” ~The Library of Congress
Charles Darwin's 1859 publication On the Origin of Species introduced the Theory of Evolution. Some interpreted his theory as proving that certain humans had the right to live and advance as a society.
Kunst und Rasse, title page (left) and works cited as examples of 'degenerate art', p.106 (right), Paul Schultze-Naumburg, published by J.F. Lehmanns Verlag, 1928, Munich, Germany. Museum no. L.1991-1933. ~Victoria and Albert Museum, London
In 1928, Paul Schultz-Naumburg, an architect and Nazi activist, published his book Kunst und Rasse (Art and Race), which summarised the worldview that underlay the Nazis' campaign against 'degenerate art'. It applied the 'racial science' of the day to the art world, establishing a disturbing connection between artistic expression and mental or physical disabilities, both of which were supposed to be eradicated from the 'racial community'. ~vam.ac.uk
~Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Synchronization
When the Nazi Party came to power in 1933, its leaders launched a campaign to align German politics and culture with Nazi goals. This process of Nazification was extensive and is referred to as Gleichschaltung, meaning “synchronization.”
In this 1935 poster, German students are called upon to fight for the Führer and the people.
~German School / Private Collection / Peter Newark Historical Pictures / The Bridgeman Art Library neh.gov
This 1938 poster advertises a popular antisemitic traveling exhibit called Der Ewige Jude (The Eternal Jew)
~Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Unfortunately, many Germans got caught up in this glamorized propaganda. Consequently, they felt responsible to follow the Nazi's policies wholeheartedly.
"The Right Look" Acceptable German Art
“Aryan” art most often depicted sublime landscapes, peasants, craftsmen, and small events of rural life.
This painting, Working Maidens by Leopold Schmutzler, was showcased by the Nazis at the 1940 Great German Art Exhibition in Munich.
Great Exhibition of German Art catalog cover, 1937
Images Left, right, above ~Facing History & Ourselves
Arno Breker's (1900-1991) "Prometheus" - 1935
From "The Degenerate Art Exhibit," Text and clip ~Ushmm.org
'Entartete Kunst'
Adolf Hitler inspects the installation at the Degenerate Art Exhibition. ~SmartHistory
The term "Entartete Kunst," meaning "Degenerate Art," was a derogatory label adopted by the Nazi regime in Germany. A hastily organized and wildly popular exhibition titled 'Entartete Kunst' opened in Munich in 1937.
All Images in section ~Metropolitan Museum of Art
Above, Decent from Cross, among other Degenerate Art, on the wall.
Left close-up of Decent from Cross in color.
Right, Entartete Kunst (Degenerate Art) exhibition, catalog cover, 1937
"The Nazis wanted to kill degenerate artists not by executing them, but by revoking their titles; by convincing the public that they weren't artists.” ~The Canvas
Tragically, when the Nazis took away the art they deemed "degenerate," they removed a part of the German people.