Degenerate Art

Definition

Degenerate art refers to artworks that were condemned by the Nazi regime in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s for being perceived as un-German, immoral, or lacking in artistic value. This term was used to discredit modernist and avant-garde movements, which were seen as threatening to the traditional values upheld by the Nazis. The regime aimed to promote a specific aesthetic that aligned with their ideology while suppressing those forms of expression they deemed undesirable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Degenerate art was part of a broader cultural campaign by the Nazis to control artistic expression and promote their ideological values.
2. Prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Marc Chagall were among those whose works were categorized as degenerate.
3. The 1937 Exhibition of Degenerate Art attracted over two million visitors, indicating both the public's curiosity about modern art and the Nazis' intent to vilify it.
4. The regime also organized a parallel exhibition called Great German Art to promote its favored artistic styles and reinforce its political agenda.
5. Many pieces labeled as degenerate were confiscated from museums and either destroyed or sold abroad, leading to significant losses in cultural heritage.

Review Questions

• How did the Nazi regime use the concept of degenerate art to influence public perception of modernist artworks?
  • The Nazi regime strategically used the concept of degenerate art to frame modernist artworks as corrupt and subversive. By labeling these pieces as harmful to German culture, they aimed to sway public opinion against contemporary artists and movements. This propaganda campaign sought to create a narrative that promoted traditional artistic values while discrediting those who challenged the status quo.
• Discuss the impact of the Exhibition of Degenerate Art on the perception of modern art in Germany during the Nazi era.
  • The Exhibition of Degenerate Art had a profound impact on how modern art was perceived in Germany. By showcasing works that were ridiculed and denigrated, the Nazis attempted to position these artists as outcasts. However, rather than completely alienating audiences, the exhibition sparked interest and debate about the value of modern art, ultimately exposing tensions between state-sanctioned aesthetics and creative freedom.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of labeling art as degenerate on contemporary discussions about artistic freedom and censorship.
  • Labeling art as degenerate has had lasting consequences on discussions surrounding artistic freedom and censorship. It serves as a historical reminder of how political regimes can manipulate culture to suppress dissenting voices. In today's context, this issue resonates with ongoing debates about what constitutes acceptable art and who gets to decide these boundaries. The legacy of degenerate art highlights the importance of protecting artistic expression against ideological oppression and encourages a more inclusive understanding of what art can represent.

Related terms

Entartete Kunst: The German term for degenerate art, literally translating to 'degenerate art' and commonly used by the Nazis to label works they considered offensive or corrupt.

Nazi Aesthetics: The artistic standards and visual culture promoted by the Nazi regime, emphasizing classical forms, realism, and ideals of racial purity.

Exhibition of Degenerate Art: A notorious exhibition held in Munich in 1937 that showcased works labeled as degenerate, aiming to mock and ridicule modern artists and their styles.