Reading girls have been and remain a sign that a society invests in the education of women and thus seeks to improve their economic and social status. Albert Anker (1831–1910) was not only concerned with the education of children as a politician; as a painter he also often represented girls and young women reading and writing.

His political and artistic engagement with the issue can be seen as a contribution to equal rights for women in Switzerland. This thesis, along with selected loans and works from the Museum’s own collection, form the Kunstmuseum Bern’s focus on Anker to coincide with the opening of the Centre Albert Anker in Ins, Switzerland, which will take place on 7 June 2024. 

The exhibition comprises 13 paintings and 9 drawings.

Curator: Kathleen Bühler