🎨 What made Impressionist art so daring?Explore a rare Impressionist collection and what it reveals today05.06.2025, 10:30 Uhr
and 05.06.2025, 18:30 Uhr
WALLRAF-RICHARTZ-MUSEUM & FONDATION CORBOUD

Dear ArtTalkers Community,

Who stirred up the biggest scandal in early modern art?

There’s stiff competition—but let’s begin with Édouard Manet. His Olympia shocked 19th-century Paris. Not for the nudity—that was nothing new—but for the woman’s calm, unapologetic gaze. She looked right back at the viewer, unashamed and in control. It shattered expectations of how women were “supposed” to be seen in art.

Manet once said:

But just as often, that light revealed what society didn’t want to see. Manet wasn’t officially part of the Impressionists, but he lit the fuse.

One artist who did call himself an Impressionist was Claude Monet, who captured mist, sun, and fleeting feelings on canvas. His brushwork didn’t just record landscapes—it invited us to feel time passing.

And breaking even more ground was Mary Cassatt.
The Impressionists were the first major art movement to include women as recognized participants. Cassatt, an American in Paris, made her mark with scenes of mothers, daughters, and quiet domestic moments. But don’t be fooled by the softness. Her work is bold in composition and color, and her presence in the group was a powerful statement in a male-dominated art world.

That spirit of resistance, innovation, and reimagining the world is alive in our June 6 ArtTalk at the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum.

This special exhibition brings to Cologne rare works from the Langmatt Collection, assembled by Jenny and Sidney Brown, visionary Swiss collectors who filled their Jugendstil villa with daring modern art long before it was widely accepted. Some of these pieces are being shown outside Switzerland for the very first time.

🖼️ Paired with the Wallraf’s own treasures, this show invites us to slow down, look closer, and reflect.

🎧 We’ll use the audio guide system for clarity
🍷 And as always, we’ll wrap up with relaxed conversation and a drink with the ArtTalk community.

Will you join us? Questions? Drop me a line: info@art-talks.de

Looking forward to seeing you in the beautiful Wallraf on June 6th!

Warmly,
Karla

Check out: ArtTalks is now live on Instagram! ArtTalks.Cologne

ArtTalk Resources

In this British English article, you’ll discover the fun facts on how the Impressionists lived and worked and what influenced their art.

The Stories behind the 8 Impressionist Exhibitions

Up next on July 3^rd — Let’s have a deeper look at the Pop Artists born in the USA.
Brash colors, big ideas, and a wink from Warhol and Lichtenstein. Don’t miss the fun!

ArtTalk Sign Up

Sessions

Session 1: 05.06.2025, 10:30 Uhr (Register here)
Session 2: 05.06.2025, 18:30 Uhr (Register here)

Sign Up Information

Register 1 week before. Why? My ArtTalks are labors of love – each ArtTalk is unique and requires time and resources to prepare for. Minimum number of ArtTalk participants: 5 Maximum number of ArtTalk participants: 15. If the minimum or maximum number is relevant, I will let you know via email at least 2 days before the ArtTalk. If don’t hear from me – you’re in and we’re on!

Venue

WALLRAF-RICHARTZ-MUSEUM & FONDATION CORBOUD, Obenmarspforten next to Cologne Townhall,50667 Köln

Fee

Regular ArtTalk 28€; Kids/Students 8€ (including audio headset/special show fee); KölnTag: 1st Thursday monthly, explore museums free with Cologne ID.

Please transfer the ArtTalk fee with your registration a week before the ArtTalk. If you pay and cannot attend, let me know before the event where I can transfer your money back to you.

Bank Account

DE 17 6723 0000 4019 2455 50

Further Information

We’ll meet at the back wall of the central museum foyer. I’ll have an ArtTalk sign. Remember large bags (bigger than an A4 piece of paper) must be checked. Be 10 minutes early. Feel free to reach out to me Karla Schlaepfer: info@art-talks.de if you have any questions.