One of the greatest Swiss private collections of Modernist art has been given on long-term loan to the Basel Kunstmuseum. The 104 paintings, 58 works on paper and three sculptures include items by Cézanne, Rodin, Picasso, Modigliani, Chagall and Soutine. They belong to a foundation set up by Doris Im Obersteg-Lerch, the widow of Jürg Im Obersteg (1914-83), a professor of forensic medicine. Jürg and his father, shipper Karl Im Obersteg (1883-1969), assembled the collection from 1916 until 1983. Until recently the pictures were in the family’s residences in Basel and Geneva. Highlights from the collection were then exhibited at Vienna’s Kunstforum last autumn. The Im Obersteg works can be seen together in a special show (until 2 May) and will then be integrated into the Kunstmuseum’s displays. The loan is initially for five years, but is renewable.
Originally appeared in The Art Newspaper as 'Top Swiss collection on long-term loan to Basel'