For Your Eyes Only

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As the concept of art expands, a way of seeing arises that no longer categorizes art strictly according to epochs and genres but instead perceives it as a simultaneous whole. "Crossover" now describes more than just an art practice: it encompasses the perception of art in general. In this respect, the collection of Richard and Ulla Dreyfus-Best in Basel is doing groundbreaking work: both opulent and austere, it adheres to a principle that relies on the originality and quality of its works as well as on their "stylish style." This has resulted in a cabinet of curiosities containing visual worlds and spaces whose artificiality seems to fathom the depths of every form of art possible. For instance, a rare aeolipile from the twelfth century can be found alongside curios from nature; secular artifacts are contrasted with works of ars erotica and ars religiosa; masterful drawings from the Baroque era harmonize with Surrealist paintings, and Mannerist fantasies with Symbolist works