Berlin is set to host a landmark exhibition showcasing the Scharf Collection, a private art treasure trove spanning four generations. This extraordinary collection, rooted in the early 20th century by Otto Gerstenberg, a prominent Berlin insurance magnate, has been meticulously expanded by his great-grandson, René Scharf, and his wife, Christiane. For the first time, the public will have the opportunity to view approximately 150 works at the Alte Nationalgalerie, ranging from Francisco de Goya’s 19th-century masterpieces to contemporary abstract art by Katharina Grosse and Anselm Reyle. The exhibition, titled ‘The Scharf Collection. Goya — Monet — Cézanne — Bonnard — Grosse,’ opens on Friday and will run until February 15, 2026. Highlights include iconic pieces by French masters such as Eugène Delacroix, Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso, alongside modern works by Sam Francis and Jasper Johns. René Scharf emphasized the collection’s evolution, noting his passion for impressionism, cubism, and contemporary art. He expressed hope that visitors would draw connections between Grosse’s vibrant abstract pieces and Monet’s timeless impressionist works. The exhibition will later move to Düsseldorf’s Kunstpalast, offering art enthusiasts another chance to experience this unparalleled collection.
Who’s who of French artists in focus as a major private art collection goes on show in Berlin
