Hans Purrmann and the art historian couple Barbara and Erhard Göpel
Letters 1954-1966
Felix Billeter, Purrmann Archiv, München
Maria Leitmeyer, Museum Purrmann-Haus, Speyer
The correspondence between the painter Hans Purrmann and the art historian couple Barbara and Erhard Göpel opens up new perspectives on the art world and society of post-war Germany. The 280 previously unpublished letters also recount the story behind the book edited by the couple, *Leben und Meinungen des Malers Hans Purrmann* (The Life and Opinions of the Painter Hans Purrmann), published in 1961. The correspondence provides compelling new insights into the artistic and art-political issues of that era. Not least, it offers material for re-evaluating Erhard Göpel’s engagement with contemporary art after 1950 against the backdrop of his involvement in Nazi art looting.
- First-time publication of the correspondence
- Art, politics, and society in post-war Germany
- Max Beckmann and Germany
Published by Deutscher Kunstverlag
June 2026
544 pages, German
https://www.deutscherkunstverlag.de/de/books/9783422803992/author