Art Madrid'26 – THE GIFTS OF HERMANN AND MAGRIT RUPF

Hermann and Margrit Rupf, on the Brückfeldstrasse 27, in Bern, 1950s. Photo: © Kurt Blum / Fotostiftung Schweiz

 

 

Hermann and Magrit Rupf, two collectors of Swiss origin, made it very clear from the beginning what their artistic tastes were. A firm commitment to abstract and contemporary art, from there was born one of the largest collections of these currents worldwide. This exhibition is the first time he arrives in Spain. The creations date from 1907 to 2016. The 70 works bring together the great masters of the first half of the XX century. After the death of Herman Rupf, these precious works continued to be treasured under the mantle of a foundation with his name.

 

 

Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881-Mougins, France, 1973). Head of man (Tête d'homme), 1908. Oil on wood. 27 x 21 cm. Hermann und Margrit Rupf-Stiftung, Kunstmuseum Bern. © Succession Pablo Picasso, VEGAP, Madrid, 2016

 

 

The names of the most outstanding artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris, Fernand Léger, Paul Klee or Wassily Kandinsky, are currently in the Guggenheim. In 1954 the Rupf Foundation was founded, dedicated to the conservation, consolidation and expansion of these funds, which were deposited at the Kunstmuseum Bern in the early 1960's. The rest of its heritage was also donated to the foundation to ensure the Legacy of collectors.

 

André Derain (Chatou, France, 1880-Garches, France, 1954). Landscape near Cassis (Paysage aux environs de Cassis), 1907. Oil on canvas. 33x 41cm. Hermann und Margrit Rupf-Stiftung, Kunstmuseum Bern. © André Derain, VEGAP, Bilbao, 2016

 

The projected exhibition in three rooms, covers the whole course of this obtainment of works. The first part exhibits the pieces obtained in the Parisian gallery of a great friend of Hermann, Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler. Also, from others bought in London due to his travels by work matters. In 1910 he married Magrit Rupf and both together with the advice of this friend / adviser began this journey toward collecting.

 


The second room, shows its acquisitions in the years after the first World War. One of the characteristics to take into account is the little difference between the year of creation and the year of obteinment. One of the gifts that offers us this event, is the evolution of a mythical artist such as Juan Gris.

 

Room 307, which includes works dating from the closing of the Dessau Bauhaus, Paul Klee, who later moved to Bern, served to strengthen his relationship with collectors. The two stars of the exhibition are August Macke's "Summer terrace" (Gartenrestaurant, 1912) and Ewald Mataré's "Lie Down" (Liegende Kuh, 1925) (room 305), both from the historic auction "paintings and sculptures Of modern masters coming from German museums. "

 

 

Juan Gris (Madrid, 1887-Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 1927). Book and pipe (Livre et pipe), 1925. Oil on canvas. 27 x 35 cm. Hermann und Margrit Rupf-Stiftung, Kunstmuseum Bern

 

 

Didaktika completes this staging, with information on the opening philosophy and the peculiar lifestyle of the couple of Swiss origin. Also documentary images of personal character and of professional scope that make of historical document of the Parisian and Berlinesa society. This contribution as an encyclopedia can be enjoyed until April 23, 2017. Curated by Susanne Friedli, Hermann Foundation and Margrit Rupf, and Petra Joos, it is a tour of the most relevant art of S.XX.

 

 

 



Art Madrid’26 presents One Shot Collectors, a program sponsored by One Shot Hotels that returns to the fair -now in its sixth edition- with the goal of making contemporary art collecting more accessible and encouraging new and established collectors alike. The initiative is designed to support both art professionals and new audiences interested in starting or strengthening a collection by providing tools, knowledge, and specialized guidance.

One Shot Collectors promotes an informed and approachable way of acquiring artworks, understanding collecting as a process that requires discernment, context, and time. The program serves as a bridge between the public and the artworks presented at the fair, fostering a confident and well-informed relationship with the art market.



The program is directed by Ana Suárez Gisbert, an art advisor with extensive experience in the art market. Her background includes artwork valuation and appraisal, as well as personalized advisory services throughout the acquisition process, helping participants identify works that align with their interests, budget, and goals. Her approach combines technical rigor with a strong commitment to best practices and sustainability within the art ecosystem.

Art collecting goes beyond the purchase of a single work. It involves an intellectual, aesthetic, and personal journey that connects collectors with the artist’s context, discourse, and creative process. Building a collection means developing a personal point of view, making informed decisions, and allowing the collection to evolve coherently over time, guided by enjoyment and confidence in one’s own taste.

So how do we decide where to focus and how to move forward? Where do we begin? How does one purchase connect to the next? A successful acquisition comes from following personal interests, learning to recognize what truly resonates with us, and staying informed before and throughout the process.

During Art Madrid’26, One Shot Collectors offered a personalized advisory service tailored to different profiles: established collectors, individuals acquiring their first artwork, and companies interested in developing collections aligned with their values and brand identity. The program adapts to a wide range of needs and offers customized tours of the fair based on aesthetic, conceptual, and budget considerations.

Our Art Advisor prepares a curated selection of artworks according to each buyer’s criteria and provides support throughout the negotiation process, offering a professional and strategic perspective. In this way, collecting becomes an informed, coherent, and rewarding experience.

Beginning a collection may stem from a desire for knowledge and aesthetic, social, economic, or even corporate exploration. At Art Madrid, we encourage collecting among individuals and companies interested in patronage and investment. This initiative is aimed at both professionals and contemporary art enthusiasts who wish to start or continue building a collection. Art Madrid presents a wide variety of works across disciplines such as photography, painting, sculpture, and installation, spanning a broad range of price points.

Whether you are an experienced collector, a first-time buyer, or a company seeking to express its values through art, the One Shot Collectors program offers a comprehensive experience.


ABOUT ONE SHOT HOTELS. SPONSOR OF ART MADRID

One Shot Hotels is a collection of 14 boutique hotels set in some of the most desirable locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. In 2026, the brand will expand its presence with new openings in three additional destinations: Ibiza, Lisbon, and Bilbao. Each property embodies a strong commitment to design, creativity, and aesthetics, seamlessly weaving art and culture into every space.

More than places to stay, One Shot Hotels are destinations with soul. Every interior reflects artistic sensitivity and an uncompromising attention to detail, offering guests a memorable experience where comfort, style, and culture coexist effortlessly. A spirit of closeness, innovation, and a deep passion for the arts defines the brand’s identity and shapes the way it connects people with the creative essence of each city it inhabits.

Through initiatives such as One Shot Collectors, the hotel group brings art and culture closer to both guests and visitors, fostering meaningful connections between its hotel spaces and the creative pulse of each destination.


ABOUT ANA SUÁREZ GISBERT. PROGRAM ART ADVISOR

Ana Suárez Gisbert holds a law degree from Complutense University of Madrid, with a specialization in international law and the international trade of artworks. She is a certified art and antiques appraiser and court-appointed expert through Antonio de Nebrija University, and a partner at the art appraisal firm Art Value Project.

She has carried out appraisal work for major collections and insurance companies and has represented leading international publications in the fields of art and design, including Frieze, Frieze Masters, and Gagosian. She currently combines her work at the appraisal firm with an art and sustainability project for private companies and municipal institutions

The advisory service is part of Art Madrid’26 One Shot Collectors Program and is completely free for participants who register in advance. To receive personalized advice, please request more information at vip@art-madrid.com or register using the following form:





Patrocinador de ART MADRID'26

One Shot Hotels