Catherine the Great's Art Collection: Lessons for Modern Collectors

Catherine II of Russia, better known as Catherine the Great, was not only a political and cultural powerhouse but also one of history's greatest art collectors. She built the foundation of what would become the famous Hermitage Museum, amassing over 4,000 paintings during her reign from 1762 to 1796. Today, art collectors can glean valuable insights from her strategies and motivations, which can be adapted for modern art collection practices.

The Motivation Behind Catherine's Collection

Catherine's art collecting was not born from a personal passion for aesthetics alone; it was part of a larger political agenda. She viewed her collection as a way to demonstrate Russia's sophistication, prestige, and her own legitimacy as a ruler. Art collections during the eighteenth century served as a symbol of power, cultural capital, and national prestige (Whittaker, 2015). For Catherine, collecting was an act of nation-building, projecting Russia as a cultural equal to Western European powers.

For today’s collectors, motivation matters. Whether you collect for investment, personal enjoyment, or cultural preservation, defining your collection's purpose is key to shaping your decisions and focus. Much like Catherine, understanding the wider context—be it financial, historical, or societal—can enrich the collection and give it greater meaning.

Strategies for Building a Significant Collection

Buy in Bulk from Significant Sources

One of Catherine's major tactics was purchasing entire collections rather than acquiring works individually. This approach allowed her to quickly accumulate pieces that were already curated by notable connoisseurs. For instance, her acquisition of the Crozat collection in France and the Walpole collection in Britain sent shockwaves through the European art world. Each collection was a "blockbuster" acquisition that brought prestige and cemented her reputation as a significant player in the European art market.

For modern collectors, purchasing an established collection can be a smart way to make a large impact quickly. Not only does it reduce the need to individually source each work, but it also comes with the credibility of the previous collector. This approach can help build a collection with cohesion and depth, especially if the previous curator was well-known in the art world.

Use Expert Networks and Art Agents

Catherine understood the importance of surrounding herself with knowledgeable advisors. Her network included Diderot, a renowned philosopher and critic, as well as other experts like Prince Golitsyn and Johann Reiffenstein, who scouted for rare and valuable pieces. These experts helped her navigate the intricacies of the European art scene, ensuring she had access to the most prized works (Whittaker, 2015).

Similarly, today’s collectors can benefit from forming relationships with art dealers, consultants, and auction houses. These experts bring insider knowledge about upcoming sales, emerging artists, and market trends, offering invaluable guidance, particularly when entering competitive markets. By relying on experienced agents, you can secure artworks that may otherwise be out of reach or overlooked. To stay updated on the latest art market intelligence from the largest auction houses, consider subscribing to Art Collector IQ, which provides timely insights and helps collectors make informed decisions.

Make Strategic Purchases During Economic Downturns

One of Catherine's smartest tactics was making purchases during times of economic hardship in Europe. When families and even monarchs needed cash, Catherine was ready to buy. This was exemplified in her acquisition of the Walpole collection, whose heirs needed to liquidate assets to pay off debts. During times of crisis, Catherine’s consistent financial power allowed her to outbid competitors and grow her collection significantly.

In modern times, economic downturns often present opportunities for collectors. During recessions, collectors may find more willing sellers and lower prices, especially in secondary markets. Being financially prepared during such times can open doors to acquiring prestigious works that might otherwise remain unavailable.

Cultivate Personal Taste and Curatorial Knowledge

Though Catherine started as a novice, she cultivated her eye over time, often studying catalogs and consulting with her agents. She learned to identify the quality of works and their historical significance, which in turn guided her in making informed decisions (Whittaker, 2015). Catherine was actively involved in her purchases, even overseeing shipments and personally inspecting works upon arrival.

Today’s collectors can take a similar approach by developing their own knowledge of art history, movements, and artists. This personal education can come from visiting galleries, reading art literature, and studying catalogs. Having a discerning eye will not only make collecting more fulfilling but will also ensure that the collection is personally meaningful and strategically valuable.

Collect Art That Reflects Personal and Cultural Identity

Catherine often chose artworks that reflected themes of mythology, history, and her own ambitions. These choices were deliberate, emphasizing Russia's sophistication and cultural prominence on the world stage. For instance, Catherine commissioned works from prominent artists like Sir Joshua Reynolds to celebrate Russian culture and its position in the broader European sphere (Whittaker, 2015).

For art collectors today, choosing pieces that resonate personally or reflect cultural narratives can elevate a collection beyond its aesthetic or financial value. Art can tell a story—of a place, a time, or an individual—which enriches the collector’s legacy. Whether it's a focus on local artists, underrepresented groups, or themes that are close to your own experiences, collecting with a narrative in mind can add significant emotional and cultural weight to a collection.

Navigating the Art Market: Lessons from Catherine

A Competitive Spirit in Art Acquisition

Catherine's competitive spirit drove her to outbid and outsmart her rivals, including other European monarchs. She often referred to her obsession as a “mania” and admitted to enjoying the competition. Her desire to collect was not just for personal enjoyment; it was also to assert dominance over rival powers like Frederick the Great of Prussia. This competitive mindset often meant she was ready to move quickly and decisively when an opportunity arose (Whittaker, 2015).

Modern collectors can learn from this competitive approach, especially when engaging in auctions or negotiating for significant works. Being prepared to act quickly—and sometimes aggressively—can make the difference between securing a coveted piece or losing it to a competitor. This involves staying informed about upcoming sales and being ready with funds and expertise to outbid rivals.

The Role of Art in Establishing Legitimacy

Catherine used her collection to establish her legitimacy as the ruler of Russia, particularly because her ascent to power was marked by controversy. By aligning herself with high culture and commissioning grand architectural projects to display her collections, she presented herself as enlightened and cultured. The Hermitage itself became not only a place of personal enjoyment but a symbol of Russia's sophistication and international status.

For private collectors today, the equivalent might be sharing the collection with the public through loans, exhibitions, or even opening private galleries. Public engagement with a private collection can enhance the collector’s standing in the art world, akin to what Catherine achieved. This kind of visibility helps to establish a collector’s reputation and build cultural capital, making them a respected figure in the art community.

The Challenges of Collecting: Catherine’s Lessons

The Risk of Over-Expansion

Catherine’s appetite for art was immense, and she described her collecting habit as an addiction. At times, her passion for acquiring pieces led to disappointments, such as purchasing works of inferior quality or making rushed decisions. She learned the hard way that not every purchase would be a masterpiece, despite her reliance on advisors (Whittaker, 2015).

For modern collectors, the lesson here is the importance of curation and patience. Rather than expanding rapidly, collectors should take their time to ensure each piece adds significant value—aesthetic, historical, or financial—to the collection. Rushing into purchases can lead to regrets and dilute the overall quality of the collection.

Transportation and Logistical Issues

Catherine's vast acquisitions involved complex logistics. Transporting hundreds of artworks across Europe was risky; for instance, a shipment of Dutch paintings sank in the Baltic Sea, leading to significant losses. She was philosophical about these losses, but it underscored the risks associated with large-scale acquisitions.

Today, collectors must consider the logistical challenges of acquiring and moving artworks, particularly across international borders. Proper insurance, transportation planning, and partnering with experienced art logistics firms can mitigate these risks. Learning from Catherine's experience, it's crucial to anticipate challenges and prepare adequately.

Conclusion: Building a Lasting Legacy

Catherine the Great’s collection remains a testament to her vision, ambition, and strategy as both an art enthusiast and a ruler. Modern collectors, whether private individuals or institutions, can draw inspiration from her approach—particularly her ability to intertwine art with personal and national identity, her strategic acumen in the marketplace, and her understanding of art as a symbol of cultural power.

Ultimately, Catherine’s legacy as an art collector underscores the importance of passion, strategy, and purpose in building a collection that not only stands the test of time but also contributes to cultural heritage on a grand scale. By adopting similar strategies and learning from her triumphs and pitfalls, modern art collectors can create collections that are not only beautiful but also significant.

References

Whittaker, Cynthia Hyla. 2015. Catherine the Great and the Art of Collecting: Acquiring the Paintings that Founded the Hermitage. In Word and Image in Russian History, edited by Maria Di Salvo, Daniel H. Kaiser, and Valerie A. Kivelson. Academic Studies Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1zxsht1.16.