Johann Rudolf Koller (1828-1905) is best known for his animal portraits and the Gotthard Post, a painting that was to go down in Swiss art history. In addition to the painting, the Kunsthaus Zürich also owns 67 of the 85 surviving sketchbooks by the Zurich-born artist. From 20 May, the exhibition Rudolf Koller – The Sketchbooks will offer visitors the largest insight into this collection to date.
During the tour, the books reveal the entire cosmos of sketches by the Swiss artist: it ranges from playful finger exercises to detailed, pictorially executed drawings. During the event, the books enter into a dialogue with Koller's oil studies – the Kunsthaus also exhibits his masterpiece, the Gotthard Post. In this way, the public will be able to experience the individual stages of his pictorial development. The exhibition also focuses on Koller's variety of techniques: he expressed himself with graphite as well as pen and ink, charcoal and pastel. Interested visitors have until 14 August to visit the exhibition.
