Intesa Sanpaolo Publishes First Volume on Italian Collecting Trends

Intesa Sanpaolo has launched a new editorial initiative with the publication of 'Collezionisti e valore dell’arte in Italia', the first volume in a series focused on the art market. Produced by Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking and published by Edizioni Gallerie d'Italia|Skira, the research aims to map Italian collecting, a partially submerged phenomenon crucial to the art ecosystem. The study reveals that the average collector is male, 58 years old, university-educated, and resides in wealthy northern regions (Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia), typically an entrepreneur, professional, or executive. However, female collecting has grown to 36%, and couple-based collecting is rising, mirroring trends in Central Europe, the Baltics, and the US. Collectors acquire diverse works—across periods, photography, and design—with 35% owning 100–250 pieces and averaging 8–10 purchases annually. While passion remains primary, 30% consider economic aspects. The volume includes contributions from Guido Guerzoni (Bocconi University), Flaminia Iacobucci, Alberto Fiz, Silvia Anna Barrilà, Paola Musile Tanzi, and legal experts. Intesa Sanpaolo, which owns the Gallerie d'Italia collection across Milan, Naples, Vicenza, and soon Turin, has also partnered with Artissima fair (announced September 2020) and launched a cultural management course led by Michele Coppola.