Der transparente Mondschein von Caspar David Friedrich

Starting in England, around 1780 the spectacular medium of painted transparencies conquered Europe. The Kassel museums hold one large-format work, “Moonlight” by Caspar David Friedrich, painted from both sides. When it is illuminated from behind, the fog on the front clears and a hilly landscape with a distant town appears as if by magic. Friedrich was even able to create a film-like sequence of the passage of time over a day from early morning to deep twilight using historical means of lighting. How does “Moonlight” in Kassel fit into the history of transparency painting? Where did Friedrich learn about this unusual medium, and how did he master the technique to a previously unrivalled perfection? 

In 2024, Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840) celebrates his 250th birthday. To mark the occasion, Hessen Kassel Heritage will be presenting the latest research findings on Friedrich’s outstanding work in the Neue Galerie from May 7, 2024.

Hessen Kassel Heritage
Neue Galerie
Schöne Aussicht 1
34117 Kassel

More information about the exhibition.

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More on the book Caspar David Friedrich und die Transparentmalerei can be found here.