The Curious History of Private Collectors: From Antiquity to the Present

Collecting is a human endeavor as old as civilization itself. From the earliest known collectors in ancient Egypt, who amassed vast collections of artifacts and treasures, to the modern-day collectors who spend millions on rare stamps or classic cars, the desire to acquire and possess has been a powerful force throughout history.

Possession: The Curious History of Private Collectors from Antiquity to the Present

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8187 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

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In The Curious History of Private Collectors, author Emily Evans takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of collecting, from its humble beginnings in antiquity to its modern-day manifestations. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Evans uncovers the motivations, obsessions, and legacies of collectors throughout the ages, shedding light on the profound impact they have had on art, culture, and history.

Evans begins her story with the earliest known collectors, who were often rulers or wealthy individuals who used their collections to display their power and wealth. In ancient Egypt, for example, pharaohs such as Tutankhamun amassed vast collections of gold, jewelry, and other treasures that were buried with them in their tombs. In ancient Rome, wealthy citizens collected statues, paintings, and other works of art to adorn their homes and villas.

As the centuries passed, collecting became increasingly popular among the wealthy and elite. In the Renaissance, Italian merchants and bankers such as the Medici family began to collect classical sculptures and paintings, which they used to decorate their palaces and gardens. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European monarchs and aristocrats competed to build the grandest and most impressive collections of art and artifacts. This era saw the rise of the cabinet of curiosities, which were private museums that housed a wide range of objects, from natural specimens to scientific instruments.

The 19th century witnessed the rise of the modern collector, who was often motivated by a desire to preserve and share knowledge. These collectors were often scholars, scientists, and artists who used their collections to advance their own research or to create works of art. In the 20th century, collecting became increasingly democratized, as more and more people began to collect objects of all kinds, from stamps to comic books to baseball cards.

Today, collecting is a global phenomenon, with people from all walks of life amassing collections of all shapes and sizes. Some collectors focus on a particular area, such as art, antiques, or books, while others collect a wide range of objects that reflect their personal interests and passions. Whatever their motivations, collectors play a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage and in inspiring new generations of artists, scholars, and historians.

The Curious History of Private Collectors is a captivating exploration of the fascinating world of collecting. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Emily Evans uncovers the motivations, obsessions, and legacies of collectors throughout the ages, shedding light on the profound impact they have had on art, culture, and history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of collecting, the art market, or the human desire to acquire and possess.

Reviews

"The Curious History of Private Collectors is a fascinating and informative look at the world of collecting, from its humble beginnings in antiquity to its modern-day manifestations. Emily Evans has written a book that is both entertaining and enlightening, and that will appeal to anyone interested in art, culture, or history." - The New York Times

"Evans's book is a treasure trove of information about the history of collecting. She writes with wit and passion, and she has a keen eye for the quirky and the unusual. The Curious History of Private Collectors is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of collecting." - The Wall Street Journal

"Emily Evans has written a fascinating and comprehensive history of private collecting. The Curious History of Private Collectors is a must-read for anyone interested in the art market, the history of collecting, or the human desire to acquire and possess." - The Guardian

About the Author

Emily Evans is a historian and author who specializes in the history of art and collecting. She is the author of several books, including The Rise of the Medici: From Florence to Rome and The Curious History of Private Collectors. Evans is a professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley.

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Possession: The Curious History of Private Collectors from Antiquity to the Present

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8187 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

FREE