This year’s presentation of the collection brings together local figures, Madonnas, nudes and heroes. The exhibition is devoted to the human being, one of the earliest themes in visual arts. Self-portraits, mythological figures in baroque garb, the slender forms of nudes, black ghost-masks and traditional Swiss costumes hanging side by side with tableaus of children and distinguished portraits.

Likewise does the public stand face to face with paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations and films, that tell the stories of people and their era. The biggest of life’s questions arise with reference to these depictions of human beings: Who are we, where do we come from, where are we going? The thematically organized rooms convey a brief history of the depiction of figures and the portrait. At the same time – in accord with the holdings of the collection of Kunstmuseum Luzern – Swiss art has a strong presence in the exhibition.