The World in Colors - Slovenian Painting 1848-1918

A historical survey of the impressive development of Slovenian painting in the 19th century which illustrates its unique approach to colour and at the same time offers a differentiated view of the cultural-political conditions of the time. During the 19th century, Ljubljana developed from a rural town into the unofficial capital and cultural centre of the Slovenian nation. Even in challenging circumstances, a vibrant cultural and artistic scene flourished during this period. An essential aspect of the pictorial methods was their significant emphasis on colour. The study of its effect, symbolism, expressiveness and technical application was rarely as central to artistic movements as it was in Slovenian painting around 1900. At the same time, various documents illustrate the ambivalent and complex relationship of Slovenian artists to Austria, which was characterized by a feeling of latent exclusion and simultaneous dependence on state funding.