Gallery

THE GRASSMANN ICONS GALLERY'S JOURNEY

The Graßmann Icon Gallery was founded in 1977 and now looks back on over 48 years of experience in trading old Russian and Greek wooden and bronze icons. Our range includes high-quality, antique icons from the 16th to 19th centuries, which we sell to both private customers and the international art trade.

The Grassmann Gallery has its roots in the dynamic 1970s, when Jürgen Grassmann acquired the first icons in Berlin—these having arrived in Germany from Russia through extraordinary channels, via African diplomats with ambassadorial status. They were initially sold at the flea market on Klausenerplatz, opposite Charlottenburg Palace—an unusual beginning for a success story that remains fascinating to this day.

In the following years, Berlin developed into the center of the icon trade, and the Graßmann Gallery became a magnet for collectors and dealers from all over the world. Hundreds of icons changed hands every day. Over time, Jürgen Grassmann operated several businesses in Berlin and Cologne, as well as exhibitions—for example, in Salzburg during the festival season.
Today, the gallery is run by the second generation.

The gallery is located in northern Berlin, where numerous icons are still on display. Although the number of high-quality icons on the market has generally decreased, we nevertheless offer a carefully selected assortment for connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
Grassmann Gallery specializes in the worldwide sale of antique icons with all necessary documentation. We place great importance on authenticity, provenance, and quality.
Each icon comes with a certificate and the option for exchange.
Our online presence has expanded our customer base internationally. We also offer free appraisals, expert advice and restorations in collaboration with experienced specialists.

The Graßmann Gallery has stood for reliability, expertise and a genuine passion for icons for almost five decades.

The meaning of icons

In this lecture, we provide a well-founded insight into the spiritual, artistic and historical significance of icons. Learn more about their origin, symbolism and role in the Orthodox tradition – explained in an understandable way and with selected examples from several centuries.

Spirituality of icons

Icons are more than works of art – they are windows to the divine world. The lecture highlights the spiritual depth and liturgical significance of these images in the Christian Orthodox faith.

Bronze icons

Small power sources made of metal – bronze icons accompanied believers for centuries in everyday life and on their travels. Discover their symbolism, history and special charisma.