The art world has always been shaped by those who collect, preserve, and promote the works of artists. Over the past century, numerous collectors have played pivotal roles in the evolution of art, influencing trends and helping to spotlight emerging movements. Here are ten art collectors from the past century whose impact has been particularly significant.

1. Peggy Guggenheim

One of the most illustrious art patrons of the 20th century, Peggy Guggenheim's collection includes a veritable who's who of modern art. Her collection, which is now housed in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum in Venice, includes works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí, among others. Guggenheim was instrumental in promoting the careers of several key abstract and surrealist artists.

2. Gertrude and Leo Stein

Gertrude and Leo Stein were influential American expatriates who hosted a famous art salon in Paris, shaping early 20th-century modernism. They nurtured the careers of artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, helping to introduce their revolutionary works to a broader audience. The Steins' collection and patronage were crucial in the development of modern art movements such as Cubism and Fauvism.

3. Charles Saatchi

Though a more contemporary figure, Charles Saatchi’s impact on the art world is undeniable. He is best known for his role in bringing the Young British Artists (YBAs) to the forefront in the 1990s, including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, through his London gallery.

4. Solomon R. Guggenheim

A relative of Peggy, Solomon R. Guggenheim also left a significant mark on the art world with his vast collection of non-objective art. His collection became the basis for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

5. Dominique and John de Menil

The de Menils were French-American art collectors known for their eclectic tastes, ranging from modern European works to African tribal art. They founded the Menil Collection in Houston, which remains a cultural gem.

6. Albert C. Barnes

Dr. Albert C. Barnes amassed one of the finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings. His collection, now housed in the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, includes valuable works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Renoir.

7. Joseph Hirshhorn

Hirshhorn, a Latvian-born American businessman, collected nearly 6,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings, which became the core of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., focusing on 19th and 20th-century art.

8. Duncan Phillips

Founder of the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. Phillips was an early advocate for modern art in America. His collection includes works by Rothko, Renoir, and O'Keeffe and emphasizes the continuity between classical and modern art.

9. Dorothy and Herbert Vogel

Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, a librarian and postal worker from New York, amassed an impressive collection of over 4,000 minimalist and conceptual artworks on a modest budget. They focused on supporting living artists, acquiring pieces from notables like Sol LeWitt and Donald Judd. Rather than selling their collection, they donated it entirely to the National Gallery of Art and other institutions across the U.S., epitomizing their commitment to making art accessible and supporting the art community.

10. Walter and Louise Arensberg

The Arensbergs were not only prominent patrons of contemporary art but also friends to many artists in the Dada and Surrealist movements, including Duchamp and Dalí. Their collection, which was eventually donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, included pivotal modern artworks.

Each of these collectors contributed uniquely to the fabric of art history, not only by their choice of works to collect but also through their commitment to supporting the arts. Their legacies continue to impact and inspire the world of art today.

10 Influential Art Collectors from the Past Century You Should Know