A new generation of young gallerists is revitalizing the art market by specializing in historical art forms—from ancient jewelry and Old Master drawings to Art Deco and overlooked women Impressionists. The article profiles seven dealers who launched their businesses between ages 22 and 41, with half based in London. Notable figures include Pauline Pavec and Quentin Derouet (co-founders of Pavec, focusing on 19th- and 20th-century women artists), Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza (Kallos Fine Jewellery, ancient jewelry), and Maxime Flatry (20th-century art and design). Two of the dealers will exhibit at Frieze Masters this October, directed by Emanuela Tarizzo, who emphasizes that collectors and institutions increasingly seek cross-century narratives.
This trend matters because it challenges the contemporary art market's dominance, showing that dynamism and experimentation can thrive in historical sectors. By blending rigorous provenance research, accessible pricing, and digital engagement, these gallerists are attracting new collectors and reframing art history—for instance, Pavec's solo booth on Impressionist Marie Bracquemond at Art Basel Paris pushes against male-centric narratives. The movement signals a broader shift toward a more integrated, less segmented art world where dialogue between past and present is continuous.