Lebensreform ("life-reform") is the German generic term for various social reform movements, that started since the mid-19th century and originated especially in the German Empire and later in Switzerland. Common features were the criticism of industrialisation, materialism and urbanization combined with striving for the state of nature. The painter and social reformer Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach is considered to be an important pioneer of the Lebensreform ideas. The various movements did not have an overarching organization, but there were numerous associations. Whether the reform movements of the Lebensreform should be classified as modern or as anti-modern and reactionary is controversial. Both theses are represented.
One of the many aspects of the Lebensreform was healthy reform clothing. This picture from 1911 shows probably a Dutch woman who wears a dress in so-called reform style without a tight-laced corset.
The Reformhaus health food stores in Germany have their historical roots in the alternative nutrition of the Lebensreform movement.
Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach was a German painter and social reformer.
Diefenbach around 1885 with his son Helios (born 1880), taken by German photographer Georg Pettendorfer [de]
Diefenbach in front of his house in Capri. Photo date before 1913
Diefenbach and Hugo Höppener (Fidus), at Höllriegelskreuth near Munich, in 1887
Self portrait as Christ,1892