Christmas Card 2025/26

Der Noth ist jede Lust entsprossen,
Und unter Schmerzen nur gedeiht
Das Liebste, was mein Herz genossen,
Der holde Reiz der Menschlichkeit;

From need all joy in life has sprouted,
And only in pain do we see
The dearest thing my heart experienced,
Winsome charm of humanity;

De Détresse est né tout plaisir,
Les douleurs seules ont porté
Le mieux dont mon coeur peut jouir,
L‘attrait doux de l‘humanité;

Friedrich Hölderlin
(1770–1843)
aus: Das Schicksal

This year, the KROHNE Art Collection presents a juxtaposition: a rediscovery alongside an artist who has long been part of the collection.

The Belgian artist Willem Boel captivates with his explosive works. His medium is paint – whether on wood, canvas, or even three-dimensional objects. These paintings are often created over several years, thereby archiving a creative process that consciously responds to various internal and external influences. For Boel, the outcomes are welcome “residues”, renewed each day.

Barlach Heuer’s monotypes enchant with their simplicity and simultaneous strangeness. In his work, plants, animals, and people almost always become mythical or fairytale figures. The artist’s inner emotions find expression on paper through his masterful printmaking technique. It is left to the viewer to decide whether “Entourage” depicts a cheerful family or a menacing group of aliens.

As distinct as the visual worlds of these two artists are, they both challenge the viewer to engage in active observation of them. Friedrich Hölderlin’s poems similarly encourage us to assert our own stance in the face of the great challenges of our time.

Further information about the art collection can be found on our website at

www.krohne.com/en/company/group/art