The case

The Nidwaldner Museum Winkelriedhaus is hosting an exhibition of reverse glass paintings that is well worth the trip to Stans.

Source: Winkelriedhaus, Engelbergstrasse 54A, Stans, from 28 February to 7 June 2026.

The commentary

The venue combines historical artwork from the 17th century with the works of modern painters dedicating their skills to this artform.

The 18th century marked the heydays of reverse glass painting in Central Switzerland, and the precious reverse glass paintings from eminent families such as Abesch from Sursee and Meyer from Grosswangen are on display as are the modern representatives. The exhibition works with contrasts that heighten the effect of each painting: Silvia Gertsch’s Handy Girls, a series of portraits of young women lost in their mobile phones painted in 2020 is shown opposite the wall with old pictures of religious scenes and saints, large paintings by Franz Amstad (1892 – 1961) hang opposite small paintings by Robert Zünd (1827 – 1909).

The only way to experience the intensive colours and textures is to go and stroll through the modern annex of the Museum where the exhibition is housed.

An original work typically costs between about CHF 3,000 and CHF 10,000, depending on the size, motif and provenance.