In Switzerland, as the 19th century was ending a new community was blooming. Italian, French, and German painters were moving to the young federal state—created in 1848—bringing with them the expressive styles, symbols, and palettes of the European avant-garde. The likes of Cuno Amiet, Giovanni and Augusto Giacometti, Félix Vallotton, and Max Buri settled there, inspired by the idea of contributing to a national identity that was still coalescing. In “Swiss Modernities,” 70 works from this little known period are on display. Some of the paintings have never before been seen in France. —E.C.