Picasso and Klee: Inside the Rosengart Collection
I’m trying something different today. Instead of writing about one artist, I want to explore an entire collection.
I’ve always been curious about how some of the most famous art collections came to be—places like the Whitney Museum and the Frick Collection in New York City.
In the future, I also want to dive into corporate art collections. Back when I worked at UBS, I learned that they have one of the largest art collections in the world. They’ve even opened The UBS Art Gallery in their New York City office lobby, which is an interesting way to bring art into the corporate environment.
But my curiosity about art collections really peaked during my last trip to Switzerland this summer (see pictures here).
The Kunsthaus Zurich was divided by works from different private collections, and there was even a room that highlighted the collectors themselves. It felt so meta—collectors showcasing collectors.
Of all the collections I saw, the one that left the biggest impression was the Rosengart Collection in Lucerne. That’s where I want to begin…
A Collection Born From a Love of Art
The Rosengart Collection started with Siegfried Rosengart, a Swiss art dealer, and his daughter, Angela. Their passion for modern art grew around two key artists: Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. Over time, their love for art evolved into deep personal relationships with these artists.
But the collection isn’t limited to Picasso and Klee. It also includes works by:
In 2002, Angela decided to open the collection to the public. She didn’t do it for fame or recognition. She wanted people to experience the same connection she felt with the artists and their works.
Angela Rosengart: More Than a Collector
Angela Rosengart’s life is like a tour through the history of modern art. She didn’t just collect art; she lived it. She shared meals with Marc Chagall, discussed color theory with Paul Klee, and even helped Joan Miró choose frames for his paintings.
She first met Picasso as a child, and their bond grew over the years. Picasso painted her portrait several times, and their friendship lasted for decades.
Angela’s entire life has been devoted to art. From her early days working at her father’s gallery to her later career as a respected art dealer, her approach to collecting was always personal.
She built a collection that tells the story of modern art through relationships and shared experiences, not just through the works themselves.
A Closer Look at the Collection
The Rosengart Collection features over 300 works, with Picasso and Klee at its core. One of the highlights is Bust of a Woman (Jacqueline), a bold and striking portrait of Picasso’s second wife, Jacqueline Roque.
Another important piece is The Studio, where Picasso’s vibrant use of color and form creates an intimate scene of his creative space.
Paul Klee’s work provides a sharp contrast with its playful and abstract nature. Modebild is one of the most captivating pieces in the collection, blending color and form in a way that invites viewers to step into Klee’s imaginative world.
Marc Chagall’s presence is equally exciting. Evening at the Window stands out for its dreamlike quality. Chagall’s ability to merge the everyday with the surreal creates a sense of nostalgia and wonder that’s unmistakably his.
Unexpected Surprises
One of the most interesting parts of the Rosengart Collection is the series of photographs that captured Picasso at work, giving a rare glimpse into his process. It’s one thing to see his finished paintings, but these images show the artist behind the work, making the experience feel even more personal.
The Legacy of the Rosengart Collection
The Rosengart Collection is more than art on walls. It’s about the relationships that brought these works together. Angela Rosengart’s deep connections with Picasso, Klee, and Chagall add a warmth and depth to the collection that’s unique in and of itself. As you walk through the various rooms, you’re stepping into the lives of the artists and the people who loved their work.
This was a wonderful exploration of this really gorgeous collection. And how incredible is Picasso’s studio! I wish I had one like it. Thank you
What a lovely post and the Rosengart Collection is marvellous.