The Connoisseur (magazine)

The Connoisseur was a British monthly magazine focusing on fine art, antiques, collecting, and luxury lifestyle. Founded in 1901, it established itself as a leading publication in its field, renowned for its high-quality photography, scholarly articles, and comprehensive coverage of international art markets.

The magazine’s content typically included features on important collections, profiles of artists and collectors, reviews of exhibitions and auctions, and articles on decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, and other areas of interest to connoisseurs and collectors. It also often included advertisements for high-end goods and services catering to a wealthy clientele.

Over its long history, The Connoisseur underwent several changes in ownership and editorial direction. In the latter part of the 20th century, it was owned by the Hearst Corporation. Its emphasis gradually shifted towards broader luxury lifestyle topics alongside its traditional art and antiques coverage.

The magazine ceased publication in 1992. Despite its relatively short run as The Connoisseur, the title was briefly revived from 2006 to 2008 by a different publisher. The original Connoisseur remains a significant reference point for scholars and collectors interested in the history of taste, art market trends, and the collecting culture of the 20th century. Its extensive archive of articles and photographs provides valuable insights into the evolving world of fine art and antiques.