The Masterpiece – Matthias Schaller
Photographs of painting palettes by renowned artists
29.11.2024 - 04.05.2025 ,
Schaezlerpalais
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Painting palettes have been used by artists to mix colors for centuries. In 2007, photographer Matthias Schaller discovered the painting palette as a photographic object during a visit to the studio of American artist Cy Twombly (1928-2011): “It immediately struck me that it reflected the artist's work.” He then began to systematically research and photograph painting palettes. He now has over 200 photographs of palettes by 86 renowned artists in his archive, representing around 300 years of the history of Western painting.
By cropping the photographed painting palette slightly diagonally at the bottom and then turning it 90 degrees, Schaller first physically detaches the palettes from the artist and then presents them in a vertical position as an independent work of art. The palettes he has photographed range from William Turner, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo to representatives of contemporary art.
Under the title “The Masterpiece”, the Schaezlerpalais is presenting a selection of large-format photographs from this ongoing project. The exhibition was created in collaboration with the Sonnabend Gallery, New York City.
Last edited on 16.05.2026
