Horst Metzger was a dedicated German scientist and avid collector with a deep and abiding passion for Indian art. Pahari paintings, with their delicate colours and intricate detailing, were his particular favourites. When Dr Metzger passed away, he left his collection of close to 250 paintings, as a bequest, to the Museum Rietberg in Zurich. It was his conviction that his paintings would find their ideal home in its welcoming environs.

Pahari paintings features 60 chosen works from Horst Metzger’s collection at the Museum Rietberg, which depict the allure of these Rajput paintings from the hill states of India. Redolent of the enchanting beauty and many-splendoured nature of this art form, the present work showcases the delicate aesthetics of Pahari painting, as well as the collector’s labour of love in putting together this rare and priceless collection.