Enjoy the Vibes of Vienna Blood

I like the German Art that arose from 1900 - 1930. Called German Expressionism, it is characterized by vibrant colors (often moody blues), exaggerated forms (at times drawn with heavy lines) and an interest in spiritual and psychological themes. In 1905 in Dresen a group of artists formed called The Bridge (Die Brücke), including Ernest Ludwig Kirchner, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, and Erich Heckel, while in 1911 in Munich another loose association of painters formed including Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

A guilty pleasure television show I've watched for 4 seasons takes place in the early 1900s Austria. It is based on the Liebermann novels by author Frank Tallis. One of the reasons I enjoy the drama is (you guessed it!) it takes place during the years of German Expressionism. Every Sunday I go back in time and spend the episode in cosmopolitan Vienna before the occurrences of World War I, the Anschluss of Austria and Nazi Germany, or World War II. 

Vienna Blood follows Max Liebermann, a doctor and student of Sigmund Freud (played by British actor Matthew Beard), as he helps Police Inspector Oskar Reinhardt (played by Austrian actor Jürgen Maurer) solve murders. Max is from a prominent liberal British Jewish family living in Leopoldstadt while Oskar, a lapsed Catholic, works at the district’s police station. Over the course of the series the two men develop a trust and friendship which anchors the show.

As viewers watch the series, Vienna is a sophisticated thriving cultural center. However, the audience knows what’s coming! You can’t help but to think of how 30 years into the future will change the city and effect the lives of Max’s idyllic family who are likable supporting characters. Every once in a while you get a subtle hint of the antisemitism and extremism that are brewing underneath the surface of Viennese society.

Portrait of Adele Block by Gustav Klimt

If you too like the period, be sure to visit The Neue Galerie New York which is dedicated to early 20th century German and Austrian art. Established in 2001, the museum was the brainchild of art dealer Serge Sabarsky and philanthropist Ronald S. Lauder. Its pricey Modern-Art Deco styled Cafè Sabarsky is inspired by Viennese cafès. I have yet to eat there but have been told the wiener schnitzel is delicious. 

Also be sure to bing-watch the 4 seasons of the joint British/Austrian produced PBS series via PBS’s website. The production of Vienna Blood has covered the 7 Liebermann novels and seems to have ended. Sorry to see it go!🎨🎭😱

You may also enjoy:

Blaukraut And Spätzle

Rosweeta: A Fairy Tale

My Mom, Germany, And History

How To Make A Senior Feel At Home