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.