The complex motivations behind collecting have fascinated scholars for centuries. From Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytical interpretations to modern-day perspectives, the reasons people collect remain multifaceted and often contradictory. Historian James Delbourgo highlights the dual nature of collectors throughout history, while Dr. Clare McAndrew explores how financial considerations intersect with personal pleasure in contemporary art collecting. This article delves into the psychological underpinnings of collecting, its evolution over time, and the societal implications of this enduring habit.

The Historical and Psychological Roots of Collecting

From ancient Rome to 19th-century psychoanalysis, the act of collecting has been viewed through various lenses. Cicero condemned Gaius Verres' obsessive looting as emblematic of misrule, contrasting with Honoré de Balzac's fictional portrayal of Cousin Pons, a collector unable to cope with real life. These historical narratives reveal shifting perceptions of collecting, reflecting both moral judgments and psychological insights. Freud's theories further illuminated the anxiety-driven motivations underlying this behavior, linking it to personal struggles and desires.

In ancient times, collecting was often associated with excess and corruption, as evidenced by Cicero's critique of Verres. Over the centuries, however, this perception evolved. By the 19th century, literary works like Balzac's "Cousin Pons" presented collectors as socially marginalized figures grappling with inner turmoil. Freud's groundbreaking analysis introduced the idea that collecting could stem from unresolved anxieties, particularly those related to sexuality. This transition demonstrates how societal attitudes toward collecting have shifted, influenced by both cultural norms and psychological understanding.

Modern Perspectives on Art Collecting and Philanthropy

Today's collectors navigate a landscape where passion and profit coexist, though the former is more socially accepted. The Art Basel & UBS Survey reveals that self-focused motivations such as identity and enjoyment drive most collectors, while financial considerations play a secondary role. Despite this, some speculate that financial concerns may subtly influence decisions framed as purely pleasurable. Meanwhile, collectors like Ralph Segreti exemplify the evolution from impulsive buying to thematic curation, emphasizing meaning over mere acquisition.

Contemporary collecting transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating philanthropy and artistic support. Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo illustrates this shift through her foundation, which not only houses an extensive collection but also commissions new works and fosters artist relationships. Similarly, Segreti prioritizes sponsoring emerging talent over expanding his relatively modest collection. As women increasingly join the ranks of high-net-worth individuals, their presence in the collecting world grows, challenging longstanding gender dynamics. Ultimately, these developments reflect a broader transformation in how collectors define themselves, moving beyond mere ownership to active participation in the arts ecosystem. This evolution aligns with Freud's notion that giving and asking are intertwined, suggesting that love—whether for art or artists—lies at the heart of collecting.