"The concurrent display of artwork from Goya to Impressionism is an uncommon treat": 'Goya to Impressionism' debuts at The Courtauld
Swiss Art Collector Oskar Reinhart's Impressionist Masterpieces on Display
In the heart of Winterthur, Switzerland, lies a treasure trove of Western art history, thanks to the extensive collection of Oskar Reinhart. Known for his passion for Impressionist and early modern art, Reinhart amassed a collection that includes significant works by leading artists of the time.
At the forefront of Reinhart's Impressionist collection is the work of Édouard Manet. One of the first modern painters and a key figure in the transition to Impressionism and modern art, Manet's influence is evident in pieces like the Portrait of Marguerite de Conflans Wearing a Mantilla, which can be found in the Oskar Reinhart Collection.
The collection also boasts works from other prominent modern and early modern painters, such as Edvard Munch, whose expressionist works serve as a bridge from Impressionism to later movements.
The prestige of Reinhart's collection is such that exhibitions and loans of its works are highly anticipated at art institutions and often showcased in international museums. The collection is primarily housed at the Oskar Reinhart Collection "Am Römerholz" in Winterthur, renowned for its range of masterpieces, including those from the Impressionist period.
Two paintings by Vincent van Gogh, both created during his hospital stay in Arles, are on display. The exhibition "Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection" features a dialogue among the works on display, including Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, Renoir's La Loge, and Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Au Café, a painting extensively reworked by its creator, Éduard Manet. The painting, which was pursued by Reinhart for 30 years, is currently on loan at The Courtauld as part of the exhibition, which runs until May 26.
Reinhart's collection also includes a significant number of paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Confidences and The Milliner, both featuring model Nini Lopez, are part of the collection and are on display at The Courtauld. The relationships among the figures in these paintings are unclear, adding to the intrigue of these masterpieces.
In addition to these works, the collection also features Cézanne's Still life with Faience Jug and Fruit, a burst of oranges and yellows that showcases the artist's unique style.
Oskar Reinhart dedicated his life to collecting art and kept a list of works that struck his fancy. His passion for art is evident in the breadth and depth of his collection, which serves as a testament to his love for Western art history.
After his death, Reinhart bequeathed his villa and paintings to the Swiss Confederation, turning it into a museum for all to enjoy. The Oskar Reinhart Collection continues to inspire and captivate art lovers around the world.
The Oskar Reinhart Collection in Winterthur houses not only Impressionist masterpieces but also books that offer insights into the lives and works of the artists whose artworks are displayed, serving as additional sources of entertainment and knowledge.
Among the works of Edvard Munch in Reinhart's collection, some expressionist books might provide a deeper understanding of his groundbreaking style and its role in bridging Impressionism to later movements.
