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Art & Art History vocabulary · Collecting & the Art Market

Collector

Meaning in art & art history, with examples

/kəˈlektər/nounCore term

In art & art history, collector means: A person or institution that buys and keeps artworks or other objects, often over many years and around a particular theme.

In Turkish: koleksiyoncu, koleksiyoner

How it is used

Private collectors buy at auctions, galleries and art fairs; many lend works to museums or found their own. Labels often say ‘Private collection’ or ‘Gift of…’. Related words: collect, collecting, collection.

Example sentences

  1. Several of Turkey's private museums were founded by collectors.

  2. A private collector bought the drawing and has agreed to lend it to the exhibition.

Common collocations

  • private collector
  • art collector
  • major collector
  • collector's item
  • auctionA public sale in which artworks or other objects are sold to the person who offers the most money.
  • art dealerA person or company that buys and sells artworks as a business, often running a gallery and representing particular artists.
  • provenanceThe documented history of who has owned an artwork since it was made, used to show that it is genuine and was acquired legally.
  • patronA person or organisation that supports artists, usually by paying for works or giving regular financial help; historically, often a ruler, a church or a wealthy family.

More terms: Collecting & the Art Market

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