Gallery
Julius Böhler AG
Julius Böhler AG is a gallery in Starnberg, Germany.
About Julius Böhler AG
Overview & Identity
Julius Böhler AG, also known as Kunsthandlung Julius Böhler, is a distinguished German art dealership and gallery. Founded in 1880, the firm established a reputation for dealing in works of the highest quality, historically serving as a purveyor to the Royal-Prussian and Royal Bavarian courts. While the firm historically operated major offices in Munich, Berlin, Lucerne, and New York, it is currently associated with Starnberg, Germany. The gallery specializes in European art from the late Middle Ages through the 18th century, including paintings, sculpture, and drawings.
History & Founding
The firm was founded in 1880 in Munich by Julius Böhler. It was expanded by the next generation, which opened branches in New York, Switzerland (Lucerne), and Berlin. During the 1930s, the directorship was taken over by Julius Harry Böhler, who frequently traveled to New York in collaboration with Fritz Steinmeyer. The firm's business records indicate a close working relationship with Ernst Buchner, the director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, particularly regarding the exchange of artworks and foreign currency difficulties during the mid-20th century.
Building & Architecture
The provided sources do not contain specific details regarding the architectural features or the physical building of the current gallery location in Starnberg. The historical records focus on the firm's operations in Munich and its international branches in Berlin, Lucerne, and New York during the first half of the twentieth century. The current operational base is identified as Starnberg, but architectural descriptions of this specific site are not available in the fetched documents.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The gallery's collection and sales focus on significant European artworks. Notable works include a Maiolika plate depicting Venus and Amor by Giovanni Pisano (c. 1448–1318), a 'Böhler-Madonna', and an 'istoriato' Maiolica Plate attributed to the workshop of Guido Fontana (c. 1550). The inventory features sculptures such as a Christ Carrying The Cross (c. 1520–30) from Augsburg or Nuremberg, a Lamentation from Flanders (c. 1490), and works by Ferdinand Tietz, including 'The Goddess Ceres'. Other highlights include a Lion Aquamanile from Hildesheim (c. 1250) and a Relief with the Head of Saint John the Baptist from England.
Artistic Scope & Specialization
Julius Böhler AG specializes in European art spanning from the late Middle Ages to the 18th century. The firm deals primarily in paintings but also maintains a strong focus on sculpture and drawings. The current inventory reflects this breadth, featuring works by artists such as Tilman Riemenschneider, Simone Bianco, Hans Daucher, and Ignaz Günther. The gallery's expertise extends to various media, including maiolica, ivory, and metalwork, as evidenced by items like the 'bianco sopra bianco' plate and the Lion Aquamanile.
Significance & Legacy
The firm holds a significant place in the history of the German art market, having been a major dealership in the German-speaking world during the first half of the 20th century. Its historical appointment as a purveyor to royal courts underscores its prestige. The business records of Julius Böhler have been the subject of extended research at the Munich Central Institute for Art History since 2019, highlighting the firm's role in art provenance and its complex interactions during the Nazi era. The gallery continues to uphold its founding principles of quality and provenance in the international art market.
Plan your visit
Julius Böhler AG
- Website
- www.boehler-art.com