A significant collection of artworks by the German artist Otto Antoine, often referred to as “The Painter of Berlin,” has recently emerged on the market, captivating the attention of art collectors and historians alike. This assemblage, regarded as “the largest single-artist private collection” of a German artist in the United States, has brought renewed focus to Antoine’s legacy, a painter whose works have long been underappreciated.
Rare Otto Antoine’s art, marked by vivid depictions of early 20th-century Berlin, captures a city and its inhabitants in the throes of transformation. His paintings, characterized by dynamic brushwork, reflect a society navigating rapid and uncertain changes, set against the backdrop of iconic urban landmarks. Despite his distinctive style, Antoine’s work has often been overshadowed, but this newly discovered collection may elevate his status within the art world.
This remarkable collection, comprising more than 200 pieces, includes 65 oil paintings, 40 watercolors, and over 100 pencil drawings. The collection is currently owned by Nohemi and Todd Barrowcliff, who acquired it from Fred Albright, Antoine’s grandson, in the 1990s. The Barrowcliffs, who have preserved the collection for nearly three decades, are now seeking to place it in the hands of a buyer who will keep the works intact, ideally within an academic institution.
Jacquelyn Delin McDonald, Ph.D., a lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas and an expert in lesser-known 19th- and 20th-century European art, recently appraised the collection. She emphasized its historical importance, stating, “This collection should be viewed as a unique, one-of-a-kind, historically intact treasure. It documents modern life, spanning decades of societal change.” McDonald noted that to her knowledge, this is “the largest single-artist private collection of a German artist in the United States.”
The Barrowcliffs, who have relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area following Todd’s retirement as a special education teacher, hope to see Antoine’s work gain the recognition it deserves.
They have turned to McDonald to help bring the collection to public attention, with the goal of finding a benefactor to donate or loan the works to an academic institution like the University of Texas, Dallas, for further study.
Antoine, born in 1865 in Koblenz, Germany, initially balanced a career in the post office with his passion for painting. After moving to Berlin in 1891 to study at the Prussian Academy of Art, he became known for his moody cityscapes, many of which depicted iconic Berlin landmarks. His works gained commercial success and were even used on greeting cards and other commercial products.
Despite facing scrutiny from the Reich Chamber of Culture during the Third Reich, Antoine’s works were exhibited in prominent art exhibitions, and some were even purchased by high-ranking Nazi officials, including Joseph Goebbels and Adolf Hitler. However, Antoine’s legacy was largely forgotten after his displacement from Berlin during World War II.
The discovery of this comprehensive collection provides a rare opportunity to re-evaluate Antoine’s contribution to art. Recent auction sales of Antoine’s works have fetched significant sums, and McDonald believes that this collection will further increase his market value as it is studied and exhibited. “The collection of art and the various personal effects need to be cataloged and studied further,” McDonald remarked. “It is a rare gem.”