Alfred Lichtwark (1852−1914) was the first director of the Hamburger Kunsthalle and one of the most important Museum directors of the Wilhelmine era. He vigorously championed the modern art of his days. This book traces his career from a modest background to the top ranks of Germany's art experts, the development of his art collections policy, as well as cultural, political, sociological, and educational aspects of his work. The focus is on his difficult position with regard to the reception of Naturalism, Realism, and Impressionism as well as between the close of academism and the onset of modern art.