Fritz P. Mayer's Archive of Artifacts
In the heart of Germany, the Fritz P. Mayer collection stands as a testament to one man's passion for art. The collection, which began in 1994, has grown over the past three decades to become one of the most significant collections of figurative art in the country.
Fritz P. Mayer's collection boasts a remarkable array of works, with a focus on East German painting, graphics, and sculpture. Among the treasures housed within are pieces by key representatives of the Leipzig School, such as Volker Stelzmann, Arno Rink, Ulrich Hachulla, Wolfgang Peuker, Günther Thiele, and Erich Kissing.
The Leipzig School, while not directly associated with traditional art collections, is a contemporary art movement that has made a significant impact. Key artists from the New Leipzig School include Neo Rauch, Tilo Baumgärtel, and Tim Eitel, among others. However, in the case of Fritz P. Mayer's collection, it appears to focus more on the historical Leipzig School.
Mayer's encounter with Wolfgang Mattheuer, one of the fathers of the Leipzig School, in 1994 marked the beginning of his art collection journey. Since then, he has added important works by artists such as Bernhard Heisig, Werner Tübke, and others associated with the Leipzig School.
A selection of 93 works from the Fritz P. Mayer collection is currently being exhibited at the Angermuseum Erfurt. The exhibition, created in cooperation with Kunsthalle Aschaffenburg and Galerie Schwind, offers a unique opportunity to view this remarkable collection.
The book "Leipzig School and Critical Realism. The Fritz P. Mayer Collection" provides an expert and extensive illustration of the collection up to 2022. Published by Munich Hirmer Verlag, it offers a comprehensive overview of Mayer's collection.
The Sparkassen-Kulturstiftung Hessen-Thüringen and Sparkasse Mittelthüringen are sponsors for the exhibition, demonstrating the importance and impact of this collection in the art world.
A major work by Wieland Förster, "Great Mourning Man" (1979-1983), was recently acquired by Fritz P. Mayer from the art market, further enriching his collection.
With over 220 works, the Fritz P. Mayer collection continues to grow, offering a unique insight into the world of figurative art, particularly the Leipzig School.
Fritz P. Mayer's collection, extending beyond fine art, also includes works that reflect his lifestyle in home-and-garden matters, as seen in the acquisition of Wieland Förster's "Great Mourning Man". The Angermuseum Erfurt's exhibition of 93 works from the collection underscores the impact of the Fritz P. Mayer collection on home-and-garden themed art, showcased alongside traditional figurative art and the Leipzig School.
