Best Art Dealers
By Zineb Bouzenacha, Managing Editor and Correspondent
Photo Credits: Getty Images
Published May 12, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET
Lets explore the ten influential figures and galleries that have significantly shaped the art market and continue to represent some of the most important artists across various periods. These dealers are recognized for their discerning taste, historical impact, and commitment to fostering artistic careers.
Larry Gagosian (Gagosian Gallery): A titan of the contemporary art world, Larry Gagosian has built a global empire of galleries with locations in major cities worldwide. Known for representing blue-chip artists and staging museum-quality exhibitions, Gagosian's influence on the market is undeniable. His ability to cultivate the careers of major artists and command top prices has made him a pivotal figure.
David Zwirner (David Zwirner Gallery): With galleries in New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong, David Zwirner has established himself as a leading dealer in contemporary art. His gallery is known for its rigorous programming, representing a diverse roster of internationally acclaimed artists and producing scholarly catalogues and exhibitions. Zwirner's commitment to artistic vision and intellectual engagement has earned him a prominent position.
Iwan and Manuela Wirth (Hauser & Wirth): This Swiss gallery, with locations across the globe, has become a powerhouse in modern and contemporary art. Hauser & Wirth is recognized for its strong relationships with artists, its commitment to ambitious projects, and its innovative approach to gallery spaces, often transforming historic buildings into cultural hubs. Their influence extends to publishing and educational initiatives.
Arne Glimcher (Pace Gallery): Founded in Boston in 1960, Pace Gallery has grown into a global force representing some of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Glimcher's long-standing relationships with artists like Pablo Picasso, Agnes Martin, and David Hockney, as well as his embrace of new media, have solidified Pace's reputation for innovation and quality.
Emmanuel Perrotin (Galerie Perrotin): Starting his gallery in Paris at a young age, Emmanuel Perrotin has become a key figure in the contemporary art scene, known for his dynamic and often playful approach. With galleries in multiple international locations, Perrotin represents a diverse group of influential artists, fostering their careers on a global scale and staging vibrant exhibitions.
Thaddaeus Ropac (Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac): With galleries in Salzburg, Paris, London, and Seoul, Thaddaeus Ropac has built a strong reputation for dealing in both contemporary art and significant works by modern masters. His gallery is known for its sophisticated taste, its support of ambitious artistic projects, and its engagement with the international art market.
Jay Jopling (White Cube): Founded in London in 1993, White Cube quickly became a significant voice in contemporary art, known for its minimalist gallery spaces and its representation of cutting-edge artists. Jopling's early championing of now-prominent British artists and his continued focus on innovation have made White Cube a highly influential gallery.
* Marian Goodman (Marian Goodman Gallery): With galleries in New York, London, and Paris, Marian Goodman has established a reputation for her intellectual rigor and her long-term commitment to artists. The gallery represents a roster of highly respected international artists, often known for their conceptual and politically engaged work. Goodman's dedication to artistic vision over market trends has earned her immense respect.
Jeffrey Deitch Galleries: Known for his energetic and often provocative approach to the art world, Jeffrey Deitch has operated galleries in New York and Los Angeles. His shows often blur the lines between art, fashion, and popular culture, attracting a diverse audience and generating significant buzz. Deitch's influence lies in his ability to connect contemporary art with a wider public.
Colnaghi and Nicholas Hall (Influential Old Masters Dealers): While focusing on contemporary dealers, it's crucial to acknowledge the historical importance of dealers in Old Master paintings. Figures like Joseph Duveen in the early 20th century played a pivotal role in shaping major collections. Today, galleries like Colnaghi and Nicholas Hall continue this tradition, offering expertise and handling museum-quality works, ensuring the legacy of historical art endures. Their meticulous scholarship and connoisseurship are vital to the market and preservation of these works.
It's important to note that the landscape of art dealers is constantly evolving, with new galleries and influential figures emerging. This list represents a selection of established and impactful dealers who have significantly shaped the art world as we know it today. Their influence extends beyond mere transactions, encompassing the nurturing of artistic careers, the shaping of taste, and the facilitation of cultural dialogue.
Antique Dealers
By Zineb Bouzenacha, Managing Editor and Correspondent
Photo Credits: Getty Images
Published April 10, 2025, 12:50 p.m. ET
Finding the "best" antique dealers is a subjective endeavor, as it depends heavily on individual preferences, collecting interests, budget, and location. What one collector considers the best for rare 18th-century furniture, another might find lacking in mid-century modern design. However, we can explore five exemplary antique dealers who have earned reputations for their expertise, quality of inventory, ethical practices, and significant contributions to the world of antiques. These dealers often specialize in particular areas, showcasing the diverse landscape of the antique market.
One luminary in the antique world is Apter-Fredericks, based in London. With decades of experience, they have established themselves as premier dealers in fine English furniture and decorative arts from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Their meticulously curated collection often features pieces of exceptional provenance and craftsmanship, appealing to serious collectors and museums alike. Apter-Fredericks is known for their scholarly approach, in-depth knowledge of the period, and commitment to authenticity and conservation. They participate in major international art and antique fairs, further solidifying their esteemed position in the market. Their expertise extends beyond simply selling; they act as consultants, helping collectors build significant and historically important collections.
In the realm of American antiques and folk art, Thos. K. Woodard stands out. Located in New York City, this gallery has been a cornerstone of the American decorative arts scene for over a century. They specialize in antique quilts, textiles, painted furniture, and folk art, offering a unique glimpse into American history and craftsmanship. Thos. K. Woodard is renowned for the quality and rarity of their pieces, as well as their deep understanding of the cultural and historical context behind them. Their exhibitions are often thoughtfully curated, highlighting the artistry and stories embedded within these objects. They have played a crucial role in elevating the appreciation of American folk art as a significant art form.
For those with a passion for 20th-century design, particularly mid-century modern, Modernity in Stockholm, Sweden, is a leading name. They offer a carefully selected collection of iconic Scandinavian furniture, lighting, and objects by renowned designers. Modernity is celebrated for its discerning eye, sourcing pieces that are not only aesthetically striking but also historically significant and in excellent condition. Their expertise extends to the history and provenance of each piece, providing clients with a deeper understanding of the design movements and individual creators. Their gallery space itself is a testament to the elegance and timelessness of mid-century modern design.
Venturing into the world of fine art and antiques with a focus on European works is Colnaghi, a gallery with a long and illustrious history dating back to the 18th century. With locations in London, Madrid, and New York, Colnaghi offers a diverse range of Old Master paintings, drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Their reputation is built on rigorous scholarship, connoisseurship, and the handling of museum-quality works. Colnaghi's team of experts possesses deep knowledge across various periods and artistic movements, providing invaluable guidance to collectors. Their commitment to research and authentication ensures the integrity of the pieces they offer.
Finally, for those interested in the unique and often whimsical world of scientific and medical antiques, Elizabeth Fell Antiques in the UK offers a fascinating collection. From early surgical instruments to anatomical models and scientific devices, their inventory provides a captivating look into the history of medicine and scientific discovery. Elizabeth Fell Antiques stands out for its specialized focus, the historical significance of its objects, and the stories they tell. Their expertise in this niche area makes them a valuable resource for collectors, museums, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of science, medicine, and history.
While the "best" remains subjective, Apter-Fredericks, Thos. K. Woodard, Modernity, Colnaghi, and Elizabeth Fell Antiques exemplify the qualities that define exceptional antique dealers: deep expertise, a commitment to quality and authenticity, a passion for their respective fields, and the ability to connect collectors with pieces that enrich their lives and understanding of history and art. These dealers represent just a small fraction of the dedicated professionals who contribute to the vibrant and ever-evolving world of antiques.