Bamberg's Artwork Publicly Declared as LGBTQ+ Themed

In the heart of Bamberg, Germany, a vibrant art scene of the 1920s is being brought to light, thanks to the dedicated work of curator Eleonora Cagol and the city museums.

Eleonora's recent discovery has shed new light on the life and work of Maria Lerch, a significant artist of the time who worked with wax, plaster, stone, and clay. It has been revealed that Maria Lerch, who came to Bamberg in 1915 as a teacher for physical education and drawing, was a lesbian.

This groundbreaking discovery is part of a larger effort to highlight the queer history of the art scene in Bamberg. The museums are actively working to make these hidden stories visible, setting a sign for tolerance and openness.

The painting gallery "Bilderspaziergang" and the intervention "RE-CALL", both located in the museums of Bamberg, are at the forefront of this initiative. The first LGBTQIA+ tour through these spaces recently took place, offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover the fascinating stories behind the artworks.

During the preparation for this tour, Eleonora Cagol uncovered another statue representing a kiss, believed to be a work by Maria Lerch. This statue, which was previously labeled as a man and a woman, may in fact depict two women. The new object label will reflect the actual meaning of the object and make the queer history of the art scene in Bamberg more visible to visitors.

The incorrectly labeled object in the city museums will also be adjusted, ensuring that all artworks are accurately represented. This includes a statue that was picked up in 2002, which was reportedly described by the seller as depicting Maria Lerch and her girlfriend in a pantsuit.

Eleonora Cagol and the museums of Bamberg invite everyone interested to visit "Bilderspaziergang" and "RE-CALL" to find the new object label and join in the celebration of Bamberg's rich and diverse art history. The art and culture of the 1920s in Bamberg was livelier and more open than previously assumed, and these spaces offer a glimpse into this vibrant past.

By honouring the discovery about Maria Lerch and making these queer stories visible, the museums of Bamberg are not only preserving history, but also sending a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance. This is a significant step forward in the ongoing journey towards a more open and tolerant society.