gallerist

American  

[gal-uh-rist] / ˈgæl ə rɪst /

noun

1. the owner of an art gallery.

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gallerist British  

/ ˈɡæləˌrɪst /

noun

1. a person who owns or runs an art gallery

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Etymology

Origin of gallerist

First recorded in 1965–70; galler(y) ( def. ) + -ist ( def. )

Explanation

A person who owns or runs an art gallery can be called a gallerist. If you love the idea of buying and selling paintings and sculptures, being a gallerist might be your dream job. Gallerist, a relatively new word that was coined from gallery, is preferred by some in the art world to the older term art dealer. A gallerist handles the business side of art, representing specific artists by showing their work in a gallery and selling it to collectors, museums, and art enthusiasts. Many gallerists have college degrees in art history and a lifelong appreciation for art.

Example Sentences

The gallerist agreed to uncover the artwork, revealing to the bride-to-be a painting that depicted them in that very moment.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

One striking piece to note is a Claude Lalanne ginkgo bench, which is meant to reflect Monsieur Dior’s early days as a gallerist.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

With all the difficulties that accompany being a gallerist these days, Ms. Cedar proves that it’s most rewarding to be a happy warrior.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

Christopher Bishop, a Manhattan gallerist who also owns Master Drawings New York, an art fair whose focus is works on paper, cannot say enough about the value of a conservator.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2024

“I still continue to paint; I make paintings in my head. I now have limited energy which I need to conserve and cannot waste putting paint to canvas,” he once told art gallerist Dadiba Pundole.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024