Uncovered at Berlin-Tegel: century-old painting hidden in jail church
In the course of restoring the Tegel prison church, a 100-year-old gem was uncovered. Experts unearthed a neo-Gothic curtain painting with crosses and floral designs, as announced by Berlin's real estate management (BIM) on Tuesday. The stunning find is located on the east wall, where the altar and organ are also situated. The experts discovered the painting using old archive documents, and while in good condition, it required refreshing.
The managing director of BIM, Birgit Möhring, described the discovery as a 'treasure hunt', remarking, "We always come across surprises, especially in renovating listed buildings, and when they're as unique as the prison church at Tegel Prison, it's a real highlight."
Elsewhere in the church, another form of art from the same period was unearthed - a mural painting on the west wall. Featuring historical scenes and notable figures from Berlin's rich past, the mural is now undergoing a meticulous restoration process.
The unearthing of these historical treasures not only adds significance to the Berlin-Tegel neighborhood but also highlights the area's cultural heritage. Berlin is a veritable treasure trove of historical art pieces, many of which can be found in its famous listed buildings and religious structures.
Did You Know?
Berlin isn't short on historical art treasures. Listed buildings and religious structures abound with captivating masterpieces. For instance:
- The Neues Museum: Home to the renowned Nefertiti bust, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Egyptian and Nubian artifacts[2]
- The Bode Museum: Boasting an extensive collection of sculptures and Byzantine art, including the famous Schlacht um die Schwerter by Ernst Rietschel[2]
- Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): Featuring stunning mosaics, frescoes, and ornate altarpieces, this cathedral is a marvel of late 19th-century architecture and art[3]
- St. Hedwig's Cathedral: Known for its impressive Baroque architecture and containing several notable artworks, this Catholic cathedral is a must-visit[5]
- Hackesche Höfe: While not quite a listed building itself, this Art Nouveau courtyard complex showcases historical artifacts connected with the visually impaired Jewish workers employed by Otto Weidt during World War II[4]
- Köpenick Palace: This 17th-century Baroque palace houses the second site of the Museum of Decorative Arts, which includes paneling, tapestries, and enamelwork from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries[1]
These discoveries only scratch the surface of the wealth of historical art treasures waiting to be unearthed in Berlin.
Sources:
Enrichment Data: [1] Köpenick Palace - Museum of Decorative Arts [2] Neues Museum - Nefertiti bust and Byzantine art [3] Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) [4] Hackesche Höfe [5] St. Hedwig's Cathedral
