Collecting Insights from Roman Times: Strategies for Modern Art Collectors

Collecting art, particularly rare and historically significant pieces, has been a practice for centuries, extending back to ancient Roman times. Romans were not only powerful conquerors but also avid collectors who used art to establish identity, assert status, and construct social and political narratives. Understanding their strategies, motivations, and methods provides a unique lens for contemporary art collectors.

This article highlights key insights from the collecting practices of Roman antiquity, offering modern art collectors timeless strategies and tactics. Drawing from notable Roman collectors like Gaius Verres and Cicero, we explore how these practices can be relevant for today’s collectors and the art market. Furthermore, we draw parallels between Roman collecting archetypes and contemporary collection-building approaches, emphasizing their enduring relevance in shaping personal and communal identity.

The Importance of Provenance and Authenticity: Lessons from Cicero and Verres

One of the most prominent lessons for today’s art collectors comes from the way Romans viewed provenance and authenticity. Cicero, a Roman statesman and collector, famously criticized Gaius Verres, a corrupt governor, for plundering and acquiring artworks through illicit means. Cicero's scathing oration highlights the importance of collecting with integrity and respecting the origins of artworks.

In the art world, provenance—the documented history of an artwork's ownership—plays a vital role. Not only does it establish an artwork's authenticity, but it also boosts its value. Cicero’s critique of Verres underscores the significance of lawful acquisition. For modern collectors, verifying provenance through trusted sources remains crucial, as artworks without legitimate origins can not only lose value but also lead to legal troubles. This principle is particularly relevant today, with the rise of digital tools and blockchain technology enhancing provenance tracking.

Building Identity Through Art Collections: The Role of Communal and Personal Identity

In ancient Rome, collecting was more than an individual passion; it was a means to express one's identity and communicate with the larger community. Collectors like Cicero and Verres didn’t just amass art for private enjoyment—they used their collections to make social, political, and even philosophical statements. Cicero, for example, curated his collection with a sense of purpose, ensuring that it reflected Roman values and his personal commitment to humanitas, a concept tied to the pursuit of knowledge and virtue.

For today’s collectors, the idea of shaping personal and communal identity through art remains pertinent. Whether collecting modern or historical art, collectors can curate their pieces to reflect personal values, beliefs, and affiliations. Modern-day collectors, much like Cicero, can build a narrative through their collections that not only speaks to their tastes but also aligns them with cultural movements, academic circles, or philanthropic causes.

Contemporary examples include collectors who focus on works that highlight social justice, environmental issues, or global connectivity. Just as Roman collectors carefully crafted their identities through their art collections, today’s collectors can use their acquisitions to project personal values and engage with the wider public.

Collections as Cosmological Interpretations: Ordering Time and Space

Roman collectors often saw their collections as more than objects; they were symbols of the cosmos and reflections of a larger order. Collections were arranged to signify time and space, evoking different eras, mythologies, and geographic locales. Roman villas were meticulously designed with collections that mirrored the architectural grandeur and artistic richness of the Hellenistic world. The Villa of Hadrian, for example, was a massive display of art and architecture that evoked cultural heritage and Roman dominance.

For modern collectors, this concept can be mirrored in how collections are curated and displayed. Many collectors today are increasingly drawn to building thematic collections that tell stories or create immersive experiences. Whether through the recreation of specific historical periods or by juxtaposing contemporary and classical works, collectors can craft a narrative that allows viewers to travel through time and space, much like Roman patrons did in their villas.

Moreover, Roman collectors understood that the objects themselves could serve as mnemonic devices, preserving memory and history. In today’s world, where digital technologies allow for interactive exhibitions and curated online experiences, collectors have more tools than ever to create spatial and temporal experiences through their collections.

The Dichotomy of Public and Private Collections: Navigating Today’s Art World

A notable Roman practice was the differentiation between public and private collections, with public collections being held in higher regard. Cicero’s criticisms of Verres stem from the latter’s private hoarding of artworks, which was seen as selfish and detrimental to the communal good. Public collections, often amassed through conquests and displayed in temples and public spaces, symbolized Rome’s glory and power.

Today’s collectors face similar questions: Should their collections remain private, or should they be shared with the public? Many prominent collectors, such as Eli Broad and Peggy Guggenheim, have opted to share their collections through public museums or foundations. This aligns with the Roman principle of using art to enhance communal identity and foster collective memory.

However, modern collectors also have opportunities to bridge the public-private divide in new ways. Virtual museums, online exhibitions, and collaborations with institutions allow collectors to share their works with a global audience while retaining ownership. This practice resonates with the Roman tradition of displaying art to signify status and power, but it does so within the context of a more democratized, global art world.

Gift Exchange and the Power of Objects: Art as Social Capital

Gift-giving and the exchange of valuable objects were central to Roman social and political life. Artifacts were often exchanged as a means of solidifying alliances, honoring patrons, or securing social status. Cicero’s letters highlight the importance of this practice, as he often discussed the acquisition of suitable artworks for gifting to other statesmen or public institutions.

Modern art collectors can draw from this Roman tradition by recognizing the value of art as a form of social capital. Art collecting, particularly of rare or prestigious pieces, allows collectors to participate in a larger cultural exchange. Whether through donations to museums, loans for public exhibitions, or gifts to fellow collectors, art becomes a medium for creating and strengthening social bonds.

A modern example of this practice can be seen in the rise of art philanthropy. Many contemporary collectors, such as the billionaire collector Eli Broad, have used their art collections to bolster their social standing while simultaneously contributing to the cultural enrichment of society. Much like Roman collectors, today’s art patrons understand that art can enhance one's personal reputation and serve as a gift to society.

The Perils of Passionate Collecting: Lessons from Verres and Nero

While art collecting was seen as a noble pursuit in Rome, it also had its darker side. Collectors like Gaius Verres and Emperor Nero represent the dangers of excessive and irrational collecting. Verres, in particular, was criticized for his passionate yet unscrupulous acquisition of artworks, which reflected his personal inadequacies rather than a desire to contribute to the public good. Similarly, Nero’s hoarding of artworks, such as his massive collection in the Domus Aurea, was seen as a reflection of his tyrannical excesses.

For modern collectors, the lesson here is to avoid the pitfalls of over-collecting without a clear purpose. Passionate collecting without a defined strategy or sense of responsibility can lead to hoarding or financial ruin. Collectors today must strike a balance between passion and prudence, ensuring that their collections serve a higher purpose—whether for personal fulfillment, investment, or public contribution.

Conclusion

The art of collecting, as practiced by Romans, offers valuable lessons for today’s art collectors. Whether through the careful curation of identity, the strategic use of collections as social capital, or the balancing of public and private interests, Roman collectors laid the foundation for many modern collecting practices.

Today’s collectors can draw from the Roman archetypes to craft thoughtful, meaningful collections that not only reflect personal values but also engage with broader cultural and social discourses. By embracing these ancient strategies, modern collectors can ensure that their collections transcend mere accumulation, becoming timeless legacies that enrich both personal and public spheres.

References

Bounia, Alexandra. "7 Archetypes of Collecting in the Roman World: Antiquarianism, Gift Exchange, Identity and Time-Space as Parameters of Value". In Museum Archetypes and Collecting in the Ancient World, (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2014) doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004283480_009