Coinciding with the centenary of the birth of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza (1921-2002), the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza presents this exhibition on German Expressionism which brings together works from the permanent collection together with others belonging to the Thyssen family (his wife Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza and their children).

The baron was the first Thyssen to begin collecting 20th-century art, as his father took more interest in classical masters. Between the 70’s and 90’s he collected a great deal of art from the last century, having a special interest in German expressionism, becoming one of the most accredited and important collectors of his time.

Hans began his personal collection of expressionist artists with a watercolor by Emil Nolde, “Young couple” creating a special bond with this style of painting. We recall a phrase from him : “German Expressionism was for me the starting point of my collection of 20th century masters”.