Cläre Kirstein (1885–1939) campaigned for women's rights and, alongside her husband Gustav (1870–1934), amassed an extensive art and book collection. Following the rise of the National Socialists, she helped her children and her nephew flee to America. She was unable to emigrate herself and committed suicide shortly before her deportation on 29 June 1939. Many pieces from the art collection ended up in the MdbK's holdings and were returned in 2000.