Art with History. Guidance with Experience.
René Bernhard – Art Dealing & Advisory for Collectors
Since 1979, I have been supporting individuals who do not simply want to own art, but wish to understand it, experience it, and preserve it as a lasting part of their collection.
My career in the international art trade began at the Galerie Hilt-Beno in Zurich and Basel. There, I had the early opportunity to meet major artistic figures such as Max Bill, Jean Tinguely, and H. R. Giger. Over more than four decades, this evolved into a personal, deeply rooted network of artists, galleries, and private collections across Switzerland and other European countries.
A particularly significant aspect of my career is my long-standing personal connection to Friedensreich Hundertwasser, whom I met in 1984 and supported until his passing. To this day, a deep engagement with his life and work remains a core focus of my activity. It offers an approach to art that goes far beyond the mere consideration of market prices, catalogues raisonnés, and auction results.
Throughout my career, I have been involved in building 22 major private collections, including the JOMA Collection with more than 180 works. In addition, I have co-curated around 40 exhibitions in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
My long-standing work has brought me into contact with numerous exceptional artists and their works, including:
Friedensreich Hundertwasser
Salvador Dalí
James Coignard
Wilhelm Jaeger
Today, my focus is not on individual transactions, but on the long-term relationship between the collector, the artwork, and the collection.
I provide personal and discreet advice on discovering exceptional pieces, managing acquisitions, and the targeted development and care of existing collections. In doing so, I combine decades of experience in the art trade with personal contacts, established relationships, and profound knowledge of the works.
My aim is to provide my clients with an entry point to art that is defined by trust, discretion, experience, and a close personal connection to the artwork.
Great art is not recognised by its market value alone. Its true significance arises where the work, its history, and the personality of the collector come together.
I see it as my role to personally guide this exceptional process – from the initial discovery of a piece to its long-term integration into a collection.
