The Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum houses the largest collection of works by the sculptor, graphic artist, designer and architect Bernhard Hoetger (1874-1949). As the builder of the museum building and patron of the artist, whom he met in Paris in 1906, he still plays a central role in Modersohn-Becker's public perception today.
Hoetger had been living in Paris since 1900. After seeing works by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) at the World Exhibition during an excursion to the Düsseldorf Art Academy, he decided without further ado to stay in the metropolis. He soon gained a foothold there and took part in the first Salon d'Automne in 1903. Hoetger was able to consolidate his growing importance as one of the leading young sculptors in the following years. This was not least due to his collaboration with the gallery owner and publisher Eugène Blot, who, alongside Hoetger, also supported the sculptor and Rodin pupil Camille Claudel (1864-1943).

Bernhard Hoetger, La Tempête (The Tempest), around 1901, Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum, Bremen © Photo: Juergen Nogai
In 1905, Eugène Blot organized a double exhibition with works by Camille Claudel and Bernhard Hoetger, which in retrospect can be defined as the beginning and end of the careers of the artist.
Based on this presentation, the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum will be presenting the central creative phases of both artists to a broad public from January 25, 2025.
They were united by their desire to create their own oeuvre in the shadow of Rodin. As pupils and lovers as well as successors, they initially oriented themselves towards Rodin, only to step out of his shadow in the next stage. In this way, both the French sculptor and the German sculptor, who was ten years younger, developed an artistic vitality in the burning glass of modernism that unfolded international radiance and continues to have an impact today.
January 25 to May 18, 2025