|The use of machines has fundamentally transformed people's relationship to the natural world since the 16th century. This exhibition demonstrates the historical development of the industrial image using a wealth of examples. Depictions of early industrial production from the 15th to the 18th centuries are followed by "picturesque" views" of English industrial landscapes around 1800.|
Works from the 19th century bear witness to the self-image of the industrialists, and show workers in heroic interpretations. During the 20th century, Futurism, New Objectivity and Constructivism brought an abstract use of forms to the industrial image. New metaphors of light, speed and time prevailed, before photography rose to dominance as the century progressed.
The exhibition shows 250 paintings, prints and photographs from Germany and other European countries. The artists include Joseph Wright of Derby, Pehr Hillestrom, Carl Blechen, Adolph Menzel, Constantin Meunier, Giacomo Balla, Willi Baumeister, Albert Renger-Patzsch, Karl Hofer, Wolf Vostell, Bernd and Hilla Becher and Andreas Gursky.
Deutsches Historisches Museum Web Site