Amsterdam, 1942: Max Beckmann and his wife Mathilde, known as Quappi, have been living in exile for five years since the "Degenerate Art" propaganda exhibition in Munich. Meeting up with friends and taking trips to the seaside, the couple try to forget that Holland has hardly offered them any peace and quiet since the German invasion.
It is against this backdrop that Marianne Ludes unfolds her novel, in which she tells a lively, entertaining and exciting story about the life of the famous artist couple. She tells of intimate love, creative inspiration and an idiosyncratic friendship that is historically documented. The author pays particular attention to Mathilde Beckmann (née von Kaulbach), who was trained as a violinist and singer, but no longer practiced her art after marrying Max Beckmann. In her new novel, Marianne Ludes creates a sparkling literary monument to Mathilde.

The story, which takes place in the Beckmanns' exile in Amsterdam, ties in thematically with our exhibition. In the face of censorship, war and persecution, many artists from different parts of the world still seek refuge in Germany today. Despite Berlin's role as the capital of exile, their works have so far received little attention in museums or galleries. The current exhibition brings together 17 outstanding artists from eight countries. The diversity of their artistic positions and cultural backgrounds opens up spaces for understanding. HAUS. KUNST. MITTE. is committed to highlighting the important role of exiled artists in the Berlin art scene.

"I wanted to write a novel about human relationships, love, friendship, care and jealousy in times that put integrity to the test every day."

Benefit reading with Marianne Ludes

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7 pm

House. Art. Center.

Admission: €15 (incl. exhibition & charity reading)

Our doors will open exclusively for you at 6 pm on this evening. Take the opportunity to come earlier and discover the exhibition at your leisure. Please register in advance at: kontakt@hauskunstmitte.de.