Noah Wunsch, a 36-year-old New Yorker, comes from a lineage of collectors. His late grandfather, E Martin Wunsch, was not only an engineer but also an avid collector of early American furniture, art, silver, ceramics, and folk art, amassing a collection of over 700 pieces. This impressive collection now serves as the foundation of the Wunsch Americana Foundation, which actively lends historical artifacts to museums and supports educational programs across the U.S.
<p>Wunsch’s own collecting focus lies in contemporary design, furniture, and photography. His interests are particularly drawn to the works of photographers like Robert Mapplethorpe, Nan Goldin, and Ryan McGinley. He views collecting as a means to cultivate his aesthetic and expand his worldview, describing it as an outlet for his curiosity. The thrill of hunting for unique pieces adds to his passion—he finds excitement in finding a remarkable item that feels like a personal victory against the market.</p>
<p>This raises a fundamental question: why do individuals seek out rare and valuable items? What drives collectors to invest significant sums shaping collections of sometimes peculiar objects throughout their lives? Is it a quest for identity, an assertion of status, a form of stewardship, or something akin to a competitive game?</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1829" src="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-2560x1829.jpg" alt="coby bull collector pokemon" class="wp-image-260936" srcset="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-2560x1829.jpg 2560w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-300x214.jpg 300w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-768x549.jpg 768w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-2048x1463.jpg 2048w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/coby-bull-pokemon-collector-180x129.jpg 180w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coby Bull possesses first editions of iconic comic series such as Spiderman, X-Men, Iron Man, Superman, and Fantastic Four ©Matthew Walder</figcaption></figure>
<p>According to Luke Burgis, who explores the motivations behind collecting in his book *The One and the Ninety-Nine*, the drive to collect stems from a mix of influences: one negative, one neutral, and one positive. “The negative motivation is sometimes seen as mimetic warfare,” he notes, stemming from a desire to forge identity. Once basic needs are satisfied, desires often become about acquiring socially recognized totems that reflect refined taste or status.</p>
<p>Observing a high-stakes auction can reveal the competitive nature of collecting; the atmosphere is charged, and bidding often leads to record prices. In these settings, the performative aspect can overshadow the essence of the objects themselves.</p>
<p>However, Burgis warns against hastily passing moral judgments. His 'neutral' motivation acknowledges the dynamics of wealth. There are various ways capital is managed, such as saving, investing, consuming, or donating. For someone with significant means, splurging on a $50,000 watch may be considered a minor expenditure rather than an excess. The act of collecting transcends simple consumerism, extending to those who spend beyond their means to project an image.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="2048" height="2560" src="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-2048x2560.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-262240" srcset="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2048w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-240x300.jpg 240w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-768x960.jpg 768w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/quentin-martinez-ndofjm7nqwu-unsplash-144x180.jpg 144w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In an auction setting, the atmosphere of anticipation is palpable ©Unsplash</figcaption></figure>
<p>Burgis highlights a more uplifting reason for collecting: the notion of cultural stewardship. He argues that collectors can make a meaningful impact by supporting and promoting culture through diverse acquisitions. By adding a significant piece to their collection, they take on a role that extends beyond that of mere consumer.</p>
<p>Mark J Bevington, an art collector from Toledo, Ohio, exemplifies this mindset. He has curated over 200 works, primarily from emerging or overlooked artists. Describing himself as an intuitive collector, he often selects pieces that resonate with him deeply. His approach emphasizes enjoyment and responsibility, viewing himself as part of a broader art community comprising artists, collectors, galleries, institutions, and auction houses.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-art-of-collecting">The art of collecting</h2>
<p>For Bevington, legacy is about human connection rather than market value. He hopes to contribute positively to the artistic ecosystem and enhance the community's cultural fabric. After years in this realm, he values the friendships formed through shared interests. Collecting becomes not just about objects but building a sense of belonging.</p>
<p>This notion of collecting as a refined skill is echoed by Ana Andjelic, a cultural strategist. She asserts that collecting is learned and practiced, with collectors developing their own terminologies, tools, and networks over time. It goes beyond merely owning items; it involves mastering an understanding of art, akin to developing musical talent.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1440" height="1799" src="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/thea_montauti_dharcourt_1714678421_3359288536785466865_28271196.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-262248" srcset="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/thea_montauti_dharcourt_1714678421_3359288536785466865_28271196.jpg 1440w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/thea_montauti_dharcourt_1714678421_3359288536785466865_28271196-240x300.jpg 240w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/thea_montauti_dharcourt_1714678421_3359288536785466865_28271196-768x959.jpg 768w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/thea_montauti_dharcourt_1714678421_3359288536785466865_28271196-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/thea_montauti_dharcourt_1714678421_3359288536785466865_28271196-144x180.jpg 144w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos, a gallerist and art advisor, shares insights on the evolving nature of collecting.</figcaption></figure>
<p>According to Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos, a Geneva-based art advisor, collecting evolves as individuals progress through life. In younger years, collectors may reflect familial tastes or legacies, while maturity often brings a deeper personal connection to the pieces they acquire. Living with art fundamentally changes its significance, integrating it into daily life. Collections flourish through emotional resonance rather than rigid strategies—art that moves an individual tends to resonate with others.</p>
<p>Benoît Repellin, head of jewelry at Phillips, emphasizes that true collectors identify as caretakers of cultural treasures, ensuring their preservation for future societies. Increasingly, collectors prioritize provenance, craftsmanship, and historical importance over brand recognition. As competition remains an intrinsic part of collecting, it often reflects a shared respect among enthusiasts for particular items rather than a mere pursuit of status.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-2560x2560.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-262244" srcset="https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-2560x2560.jpg 2560w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://elitetraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/05/upscaled_image_1-1-180x180.jpg 180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benoît Repellin, head of jewelry at Phillips, views collecting as a crucial form of stewardship ©Phillips</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-exercise-in-judgment">An exercise in judgment</h2>
<p>Ultimately, collecting intersects personal identity and cultural significance. According to Burgis, collecting arises from a fundamental human desire to impose order and legacy amid chaos. Collectors navigate their journey, often in pursuit of completeness or meaning within their collections. Wunsch, for instance, imagines a dream of owning every image from Paul Graham's *End of an Age* series. Yet, he concedes that this might remain an elusive aspiration.</p>
<p>In an increasingly disposable society, the act of collecting serves as a thoughtful exercise in judgment. It represents the choices made about what deserves recognition for its rarity or beauty, as well as what is worthy of enduring through time.</p>