Krzysztof Pomian on the Nature and Destiny of Collecting

In a dossier on art and money, philosopher and historian Krzysztof Pomian explores the fundamental questions of collecting: what defines a collection, what conditions transform an ordinary object into a collectible, and what becomes of it afterward. Pomian's analysis, published in the October 1987 issue of artpress, examines the conceptual and material transformation of objects into collectibles, emphasizing their shift from utilitarian to symbolic value. He argues that collections serve as mediators between the visible and the invisible, giving objects a semiotic function that transcends their original purpose. The essay reflects on the destiny of collected objects, whether they remain in private hands, enter public institutions, or are dispersed. Pomian's work, rooted in his broader philosophical inquiry into the nature of collecting, positions the collector as a key figure in the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage.