Biedermeier describes a kind of factual art that very closely corresponds to sensory perception. Its basic characteristics became apparent even before 1800, and up until around 1830 it continued to develop through simplification, the natural beauty of materials, and clarity of form. Biedermeier: The Invention of Simplicity is an elegant publication concentrating upon a core group of artistic works from this period of time, which were predominated by these formal elements and also gave shape to the new, central European aesthetic vision.
More than three hundred examples from all genres of art from Germany, Austria, Bohemia, and Denmark are featured: paintings, prints, furniture, glass and porcelain objects, silver, interior decoration, and fashion from the trendsetting, stylish metropolises. This is an attractive presentation of the innovative character of this period, which permitted it to play a pioneering role in shaping the modern era. (English edition 978-3-7757-1796-0)

Exhibition schedule:  Milwaukee Art Museum, September 16, 2006–January 1, 2007 · Albertina, Vienna, February 2–May  13, 2007 · Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, June  8–September 2, 2007 · Musée du Louvre, Paris, October  15, 2007–January 15, 2008