Mastering the Art of Collecting: Strategies from Samuel Moore Gaines for Today's Art Enthusiasts

The Foundation of Fort Worth’s Art Scene

Fort Worth’s vibrant art culture, anchored by world-class institutions like the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, and The Modern, owes much to early collectors like Gaines. His collection of approximately 200 paintings, amassed between 1893 and 1940, predated the efforts of notable figures like Amon G. Carter and Kay Kimbell. Unlike his wealthier contemporaries, Gaines, a modestly paid superintendent of the Railway Mail Service, relied on ingenuity and dedication to build a significant collection. His story underscores that art collecting is not solely the domain of the affluent but accessible to those with vision and strategy.

Leverage Mobility and Access to Diverse Markets

Gaines’s role with the Railway Mail Service provided him with a unique advantage: extensive travel opportunities across the United States. This mobility allowed him to frequent art galleries, auction houses, antique shops, and estate sales in cities like New York, Boston, New Orleans, and Baltimore. For example, he acquired Portrait of Daniel Webster from the Ivy Club in Baltimore and In The Forest by Adolphe Monticelli from M. A. Newhouse & Son in St. Louis. His ability to transport large artworks, such as the 40-by-60-inch Cloudy Sunset via rail, further facilitated his collecting.

Today’s collectors can emulate Gaines’s approach by leveraging global connectivity. Online platforms like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Artsy, provide access to international auctions and galleries. Virtual tours and digital catalogs allow collectors to explore markets without physical travel. For instance, a collector in 2025 might bid on a contemporary piece at a London auction or purchase a rediscovered Old Master from a New York gallery, all from their smartphone. Subscribing to newsletters from major auction houses or following X accounts of art dealers can keep collectors informed about emerging opportunities.

Focus on Established Artists for Credibility

Gaines prioritized works attributed to well-known artists, such as Gilbert Stuart, George Inness, and Francois Gerard. His collection included pieces like Portrait of George Washington (attributed to Stuart) and Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte by Gerard, which lent prestige to his endeavors. As Barker notes, Gaines’s reputation as “the most able connoisseur of paintings in Fort Worth” stemmed from his focus on recognized names, even if some attributions were later questioned.

Contemporary collectors should consider investing in artists with established reputations to build a credible collection. For example, acquiring works by living artists like Banksy or Yayoi Kusama, whose pieces are highly sought after, can enhance a collection’s value and prestige. Platforms like Artnet provide market data on artists’ auction histories, helping collectors make informed decisions. However, collectors must verify authenticity through provenance records and expert appraisals to avoid the pitfalls Gaines faced with unsigned works.

Build Relationships with Dealers and Experts

Gaines cultivated relationships with art dealers in Dallas and New Orleans, such as Joseph Sartor and Dr. I. M. Cline. Sartor supplied high-quality pieces like Sunlight and Shadow by Theodore Robinson, while Cline guided Gaines to acquisitions like Troupe of Italian Comedians, attributed to Jean-Antoine Watteau. These connections provided access to quality artworks and insider knowledge about available pieces.

Building networks with galleries, dealers, and curators is crucial for today’s collectors. Attending art fairs like Art Basel or Frieze, or engaging with local galleries, can foster relationships that yield exclusive opportunities. For instance, a collector might connect with a gallery owner at TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) to secure a rare piece before it hits the public market. Following dealers on X or joining art-focused Discord communities can also provide real-time tips on emerging artists or undervalued works.

Engage with the Local Art Community

Gaines’s alliance with Jennie Scott Scheuber, Fort Worth’s first public librarian and a cultural visionary, amplified his impact. By loaning paintings like Pool In The Woods by Worthington Whittredge to the Carnegie Public Library, Gaines contributed to public art appreciation. His role as vice president of the Fort Worth Art Association in 1912 further embedded him in the community, aligning his collection with civic goals.

Collectors today can enhance their influence by engaging with local art institutions. Donating or loaning artworks to museums, as Gaines did with the Mary Couts Burnett Library at Texas Christian University, can elevate a collector’s profile. For example, lending a contemporary sculpture to a local museum’s exhibition can spark public interest and establish the collector as a cultural leader. Participating in museum galas, serving on art council boards, or hosting private viewings can also strengthen community ties.

Embrace the Thrill of the Hunt

Gaines described collecting as a “key with which she or he can unlock the door to the fairyland of adventure.” His passion for discovery drove him to scour secondhand shops and estate sales, as seen in his acquisition of a miniature by Eugene Isabey for $10 in New Orleans. This enthusiasm fueled his persistence, even when authenticity was uncertain.

Modern collectors should embrace the exploratory aspect of collecting. Visiting lesser-known galleries, attending estate sales, or browsing online marketplaces like eBay for hidden gems can yield surprising finds. For instance, a collector might discover an undervalued work by a regional artist at a local auction, much like Gaines’s finds in New Orleans. Documenting the search process on platforms like X can also engage other enthusiasts and attract tips from the community.

Strategic Display for Public Impact

Gaines strategically displayed his collection in public spaces, such as the Carnegie Public Library, the Elk’s Club, and the Mary Couts Burnett Library. The 1925 dedication of the latter, featuring nine of his paintings, including Cloudy Sunset and Portrait of George Washington, cemented his reputation. These displays not only showcased his collection but also inspired public interest in art.

Collectors can amplify their impact by showcasing their works in public or semi-public settings. Hosting exhibitions at local galleries or collaborating with coworking spaces to display art can attract attention. For example, a collector might partner with a boutique hotel to exhibit their collection, drawing in art lovers and potential buyers. Sharing images of these displays on social media with hashtags like #ArtCollecting or #ContemporaryArt can boost visibility.

Navigate Challenges with Pragmatism

Gaines faced challenges, including limited funds and questionable attributions. He addressed these by focusing on affordable works and consulting experts, as seen in his cautious approach to The Monk Reading, attributed to Frank Duveneck. His pragmatism ensured his collection remained impactful despite constraints.

Today’s collectors must navigate high prices and market volatility. Setting a budget and focusing on emerging artists or secondary markets can mitigate financial risks. For instance, purchasing works by up-and-coming artists like Tschabalala Self or Amoako Boafo can be more affordable than chasing blue-chip names. Consulting appraisers or using tools like Art Collector IQ for market analysis can help verify value.

Leave a Legacy Through Generosity

Gaines’s legacy endures through his contributions to Fort Worth’s cultural fabric. His loans to public institutions and his role in the Fort Worth Art Association’s evolution, particularly during the 1938 leadership transition, ensured his influence outlived him. His collection, though partially dispersed, inspired future generations.

Collectors can secure their legacy by supporting art institutions or mentoring new collectors. Establishing a private foundation, like the Broad Art Foundation, or donating to museum acquisition funds can perpetuate a collector’s vision. Sharing knowledge through blogs, podcasts, or X threads can also inspire others, ensuring a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Samuel Moore Gaines’s journey as a pioneering art collector offers a blueprint for modern enthusiasts. His strategies—leveraging mobility, focusing on established artists, building dealer relationships, engaging with the community, embracing the hunt, displaying strategically, navigating challenges, and leaving a legacy—remain relevant in 2025. By applying these tactics, collectors can build meaningful collections that resonate personally and culturally. Whether scouring online auctions or loaning works to local museums, today’s collectors can draw inspiration from Gaines’s passion and resourcefulness to navigate the dynamic art world.

Barker, Scott Grant. “Samuel Moore Gaines: A Pioneering Art Collector in Early Fort Worth.” The Southwestern Historical Quarterly 107, no. 3 (2004): 434–56. http://www.jstor.org/stable/30240388.