Is it possible for a building to echo with untold stories? Here at Stern Galerie, the walls whisper tales of art, persecution, and resilience.
The story of Stern Galerie intertwines with the life of Dr. Max Stern. His father, Julius Stern, established the Galerie Julius Stern in Düsseldorf in 1913. It began as an art dealership. It later became an auction house in 1931. Max Stern joined the family business in 1928.
Max took over the gallery’s management in 1933 because of his father’s illness. He inherited the business after his father’s death in 1934. The gallery was housed in two buildings on Königsallee. His mother and sister continued to work there.
The rise of the Nazi regime cast a dark shadow. Max Stern faced increasing persecution due to his Jewish heritage. In 1935, he was prohibited from practicing as an art dealer. He was initially given four weeks to sell or close his business.
There were temporary reprieves. But the pressure mounted. By 1937, Max Stern was forced to liquidate his gallery. He sold the buildings on Königsallee in March 1937. The Nazis ordered him to dissolve his firm by September 30, 1937. They forbade him from dealing in cultural property.
Max Stern consigned the remaining inventory to Lempertz auction house in Cologne. This formed their sale No. 392 on November 13, 1937. The sale included 228 paintings. It is uncertain how many paintings were sold. Some unsold items were offered in Max Stern’s final catalogue.
In December 1937, Max Stern fled Nazi Germany. He travelled to Paris with only a suitcase. Later, he moved to London. In 1939, he lost his German citizenship.
After World War II, Max Stern sought to reclaim his lost art. He filed a claim for restitution in 1948. This included 20 paintings and prints from his private collection. He placed an advertisement in a German art magazine in 1952. This helped to locate some of the lost works.
Some paintings were recovered through settlements. Others remained lost. Max Stern also pursued compensation for the forced sale of his gallery inventory. He argued that the paintings were sold at unfairly low prices.
Max Stern eventually became the director and owner of the Dominion Gallery in Montreal. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the art world. His story reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
The Stern Galerie stands as a testament to a life interrupted but not defeated. It serves as a reminder of the dark chapters of history. It also highlights the enduring power of art and the human spirit. As you leave Stern Galerie, consider the layers of history. Think about the art that has passed through these walls.