Georges Bloch (1901-1984) was an outstanding example of classic patronage. He made a name for himself in specialist circles for owning almost the entire printed oeuvre of Pablo Picasso and also, given his profound knowledge of the artist’s work, for publishing a four-volume catalogue raisonné of Picasso’s prints. The artist and the collector were friends. Picasso held Bloch’s knowledge in high esteem and regularly conversed with him.

Bloch and his wife Jenny had no children. During Georges’ lifetime, he made arrangements for his estate that would resonate after his death. In 1972, he gifted a selection of more than 470 Picasso prints to the Gottfried Keller-Stiftung, instructing the foundation to distribute these among eight Swiss museums. One of the recipients was Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich. The collector and patron also instructed that an exhibition of the donated works should be held regularly. Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich is delighted to undertake this task. While earlier exhibitions in other museums have highlighted thematic focal points, Graphische Sammlung ETH has chosen to focus on the unique friendship between Picasso and Bloch.
Although Bloch was of great service to Picasso with regard to his prints, the role he played is little-known in Switzerland beyond a circle of specialists. The relationships between Bloch and Picasso, as well as the benefits he brought to others, including Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich, will therefore be brought to the fore. A catalogue will accompany the exhibition.

Curator: Dr Linda Schädler, Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich

The Museo d’Arte Mendrisio will be holding an exhibition of Picasso’s prints at the same time.

With the kind support of the Georges and Jenny Bloch Foundation.