7 Most Valuable Art Collections In the World
Art is an interesting medium that holds beauty and value. That’s why it’s always so impressive to see collectors who have invested their time and funds into amassing as many gorgeous pieces as they can. Even if you can’t afford an original piece from one of these 7 collections, though, you can look https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/ for stunning reproductions.
Bernard Arnault, Exact Value Unknown
Sometimes, when it comes to private collections, the exact value of the collection is hard – if not impossible – to estimate. That’s exactly the case with Bernard Arnault. He’s known to have one of the largest and most diverse art collections in the world but the exact numerical value isn’t concretely known.
What is known is that Arnault owns the work of many talented artists including Warhol, Picasso, and Henry Moore. In addition, he’s even founded the Louis Vuitton Foundation which is a branch of his brand, Louis Vuitton, to aid in both curating and creating art. Specifically, the foundation focuses on contemporary art.
Steven Cohen, $1 Billion
At an even $1 billion, Steven Cohen has made his mark with a collection of pieces thanks to wealth as an investor and hedge fund manager. He also has a diverse collection with everything from the work of the Post-Impressionism Movement to modern art.
Some of the most prolific names in his collection include Van Gogh, Munch, Willem de Kooning, and Pollock. Among his most highly valued works, he lays claim to Young Peasant Woman by Van Gogh and Gauguin’s Bathers. He even owns one of the signature “drip paintings” by Pollock.
Francois Pinault, $1.4 Billion
Francois Pinault is best known for his role in founding high fashion brands such as Yves Saint-Laurent and Gucci. However, he’s also spent over the last 30 years of his life as an art collector.
His collection spans more than 2,500 pieces with an estimated value of about $1.4 billion. On top of this, he’s the owner of a large art auction house, Christie’s. In perusing his collection, one would find work from master artists such as Warhol and Rothko. While he’s made a commercial name for himself in fashion, he’s made a mark in art too.
Edith and Eli Broad, $2.2 Billion
Married couple Eli and Edith Broad have much of their expansive collection, worth an estimated $2.2 billion, on display in Los Angeles, California at The Broad Museum. Their collection is considered the largest collection of contemporary art. They’re a uniquely altruistic set of collectors as they share their work to show the world art rather than to turn a profit.
All in all, their collection is made up of over 2,000 distinct pieces. This includes pieces such as Andy Warhol’s Two Marilyns and Lichtenstein’s I…I’m Sorry.
Philip Niarchos, $2.2 Billion
Another $2.2 billion art collection belongs to a man named Philip Niarchos. While he’s bought many of his own paintings, he also came about some of his collection via inheritance from his father.
In particular, Niarchos’ collection is known for his large collection of pieces by Vincent van Gogh. He’s also added pieces by other artists such as Self-Portrait by Basquiat which he bought for a whopping $3.3 million – high above the asking price that the work fetched.
David Geffen, $2.3 Billion
David Geffen is already a prolific name before considering his $2.3 billion art collection. He founded companies such as Geffen Records, Asylum Records, and even DreamWorks Animation.
As for his art collection, it’s mostly made up of midcentury pieces and he especially favors American artists. Some of his collection includes artists like Jason Pollock and Rothko. He even sold a pair of masterpieces including Pollocks No. 5, 1948 and Woman III by Willem de Kooning. He’s widely considered to have one of the most impressive collections of this genre.
David and Ezra Nahmad, $3 Billion
David and Ezra Nahmad are two brothers with an art collection with a net worth of about $3 billion. Interestingly enough, the pair aren’t art lovers themselves, though. Rather, they purchase art with the end goal of re-selling it later for a higher price.
They have a specific pattern that they do this in too. First, they buy a piece. Then, instead of selling it right away, they store the pieces for a while and wait for prices to rise. In the meantime, the collection sits in a storage unit that houses up to 5,000 pieces at all times – including an alleged collection of Picasso paintings.
Conclusion
Whether for-profit or for pleasure, these art collections are just as stunning for their showcase of artistic mastery as they are for their sheer dollar value. They showcase some of the most diverse and high caliber collections the world has to offer.
