The heart of the collection is a treasure trove of classic Modernist paintings including key works from Picasso’ s early period such as the “Absinth drinker” of 1901, masterpieces by Marc, Chagall such as the group of ”Jewish portraits” of 1914 and a Paul Cézanne outdoor nude of the 1870s.
The other focus is a representative selection of postwar art. Examples of informal painting ranging from Jean Dubuffet to Antonin Tàpies mark out the revolutionary positions in the visual arts after 1945. Immediately after the show at the Bank Austria Kunstforum, the “ Im Obersteg” collection will move as foundation on to the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of Switzerland’s most prestigious museums.