On Saturday, 21 March 2026, the Cornell Club of Switzerland had the pleasure of hosting a private, English-language guided tour of the remarkable Paul Cezanne exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler, Basel. A group of 18 participants gathered to explore the life and work of one of the most influential figures in modern art.
Our guide, Karen Zadra, led us through the exhibition with exceptional depth and clarity. Her extensive knowledge of Cezanne allowed her to skillfully place his work within the broader context of his life and times, offering us a rich narrative that went far beyond the canvases themselves. Equally impressive was her own background as an artist, which brought an added dimension to her explanations, particularly when discussing Cezanne’s pioneering use of color, composition, and form.
Over the course of 75 minutes, we gained valuable insights into Cezanne’s artistic process, his evolving techniques, and the challenges he faced during his lifetime. Karen also shared fascinating “museum secrets”, shedding light on how the exhibition was curated and revealing subtle details in the works that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
We were reminded of Cezanne’s important relationships with other renowned artists of his era and his lasting influence on generations that followed, cementing his role as a bridge between Impressionism and modern art.
Following the tour, several participants continued the evening together over dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant, Wiesengarten Musetti, where conversations about art, culture, and Cornell connections carried on.
A special thank you goes to Bernie MacCabe for organizing this enriching cultural experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Cornell Club of Switzerland event.
