The Collector Hypothesis
Who Benefits More from Art, the Artist or the Collector
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 5293284 |
|---|---|
| Authors | P Sorokowski (0000-0001-9225-9965, University of Wrocław, corresponding author), Jerzy Luty (0000-0002-2254-9526, University of Wrocław), Wojciech Małecki, W P Malecki (0000-0003-4768-713X, University of Wrocław), Craig S Roberts (0000-0002-5852-9770, University of Stirling), Marta Kowal (0000-0001-9050-1471, University of Wrocław), Davie (0000-0002-2862-2050, University of Auckland), Stephen Davies (0000-0001-9821-6798) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 397-410 |
| Publication date | 2024-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Nature (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1045-6767 • E-ISSN: 1936-4776 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12110-024-09481-7 |
| PMID | 39546125 |
| OpenAlex | W4404427648 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 55 |
Human fascination with art has deep evolutionary roots, yet its role remains a puzzle for evolutionary theory. Although its widespread presence across cultures suggests a potential adaptive function, determining its evolutionary origins requires more comprehensive evidence beyond mere universality or assumed survival benefits. This paper introduces and tests the Collector Hypothesis, which suggests that artworks serve as indicators of collectors' surplus wealth and social status, offering greater benefits to collectors than to artists in mating and reproductive contexts. Our study among Indigenous Papuan communities provides preliminary support for the Collector Hypothesis, indicating that, compared to artists, collectors are perceived as having higher social status and greater attractiveness to women. These findings provide unique insights into Papuan communities and contribute to the ongoing discussion about art's adaptive significance of art by suggesting that artistic capacities may benefit not only creators but also those who accumulate and display art. Further research in diverse cultural contexts is needed for a comprehensive understanding of this interplay
Aesthetics · Art · Attractiveness · Biology · Epistemology · Evolutionary psychology · Evolutionary theory · Indigenous · Physical attractiveness · Sociology · Aesthetic Perception and Analysis · Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology · Social Psychology · Ecology
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |