10 Most Famous Art Collectors Throughout History

Image: David Teniers the Younger, “The Archduke Leopold William in his Picture Gallery in Brussels,” 1647-1651.

One of the key reasons art continues to thrive is due to dedicated art collectors who acquire and preserve the best and most stunning pieces worldwide. For artists, creating art is fulfilling, but the ability to gather and showcase these works in comprehensive collections is essential for their renown and fame. To ensure art flourishes globally, there must be individuals who perceive its value and ensure it is displayed for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will look at some of the most influential and famous art collectors of all time and their contributions to the ongoing history of art.

Also known as the House of Medici, this prominent Italian family operating in the 13th century found significant success in mercantilism. They were the driving force behind making Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. Their patronage supported artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and they commissioned works such as Brunelleschi’s reconstruction of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Without the Medici, iconic sites like the Sistine Chapel and the Uffizi Gallery might not exist. Their legacy includes contributions to numerous artists and architects, which helped shape the course of Western art.

As the longest-ruling female monarch of Russia (1762-1796), Catherine the Great had a monumental impact on Russia’s revitalization and its art and culture. She established The Hermitage Museum, beginning with her personal art collection, and patronized great writers like Voltaire and Diderot. Her contributions significantly shaped the Russian art scene. Catherine’s vision turned the Hermitage into one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world, featuring a vast array of European masterpieces.

Sir John Soane, the son of a bricklayer, became a professor of architecture at the Royal Academy in Britain. His collection, now housed in the Sir John Soane’s Museum, includes a range of antiquities and artworks that reflect his architectural career and interests. Notable pieces include the alabaster sarcophagus of Seti I and various ancient Roman and Greek artifacts. Soane’s museum offers a unique glimpse into his eclectic tastes and his contributions to architectural history.

An American sculptor and prominent art collector, Gertrude Whitney established the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1931. Born into the wealthy Vanderbilt family, she supported American artists who were often overlooked by traditional institutions, helping to shape the modern American art scene. Whitney’s dedication to American art provided a platform for countless artists and helped to elevate the status of American art globally.

Claribel and Etta Cone amassed one of the finest collections of modern French art in the US. Beginning in 1898, they collected works by artists like Picasso and Matisse, significantly contributing to the early 20th-century art scene. Their collection remains a testament to their keen eye for revolutionary art. The Cone sisters’ extensive collection reflects their passion for modern art and their lasting impact on art history.

Born into the wealthy Guggenheim family, Peggy Guggenheim became a prominent art collector between 1938 and 1946. Her collection, now housed in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, includes works by avant-garde artists like Picasso, Ernst, and Miró. Her influence on the art world remains substantial. Guggenheim’s legacy is marked by her adventurous spirit and her dedication to promoting modern art.

Heiress to the Duke tobacco fortune, Doris Duke established a gallery of Islamic art at her Shangri La mansion in Hawaii. Her collection includes over 2500 pieces from various Middle Eastern countries, reflecting her deep appreciation for Islamic art and culture. Duke’s extensive travels and her passion for Islamic art resulted in one of the most comprehensive collections in the world.

Andrew Hall, a hedge fund manager for Astenbeck Capital, and his wife Christine created the Hall Art Foundation in 2007. Their collection includes over 5000 works by hundreds of contemporary artists, and they have organized exhibitions globally, significantly impacting the contemporary art scene. The Hall Art Foundation showcases a diverse range of contemporary art, advancing the careers of many artists.

As the sister of Qatari ruler Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikha Mayassa Al-Thani is one of the most influential art collectors. She has an estimated annual budget of $1 billion for acquisitions and aims to give Qatar a national identity through a rich and varied art collection. Her impact on the art world is profound, with significant acquisitions like Paul Gauguin’s “When Will You Marry?”. Her efforts have positioned Qatar as a major player in the global art scene.

Steven Cohen, one of the richest men in the world, is known for his diverse and extensive art collection, including works by de Kooning, Warhol, and Picasso. His collection, estimated at $1 billion, represents a wide array of styles and eras, making him a significant figure in the art world. Cohen’s collection is noted for its breadth and the inclusion of some of the most important works in modern art.

Other Notable Collectors to Consider:

J. Paul Getty: His vast collection, primarily of European paintings and sculptures, is the cornerstone of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Getty’s meticulous collecting habits have left a lasting legacy in the art world.

Dorothy and Herbert Vogel: Despite modest means, they collected over 4,000 works of contemporary art, focusing on lesser-known artists who later gained recognition. The Vogels’ passion for art is evident in their impressive collection, which has been donated to numerous institutions.

Count Giuseppe Panza di Biumo: Known for his collection of American Abstract Expressionist and Minimalist art, much of which now resides in the Guggenheim. Panza’s keen eye for emerging artists helped shape the contemporary art landscape.

Bernard Arnault: His collection includes significant modern and contemporary works, and he established the Louis Vuitton Foundation to support the arts. Arnault’s influence extends beyond collecting to fostering artistic innovation.

Eli and Edythe Broad: Their collection of contemporary art is displayed at The Broad Museum in Los Angeles. The Broads’ philanthropy and commitment to the arts have made a significant impact on the accessibility of contemporary art.

David Geffen: His art collection focuses on midcentury American works and includes many iconic pieces. Geffen’s strategic acquisitions and sales have positioned him as a key figure in the art market.

These collectors have played vital roles in shaping the art world through their passion, vision, and substantial contributions. Their legacies continue to influence how we perceive and appreciate art today.