In this episode, we dive into the obsession with rare art objects that gripped collectors in the late 19th century. Figures like Wilhelm Bode and Bernard Berenson turned Italian Renaissance masterpieces into trophies of prestige, fueled by the thrill of scarcity and the allure of technical mastery. We explore how museums competed with private collectors, shaping taste and influencing the art market. This episode uncovers the beauty, power, and ethical complexities of collecting, revealing how the pursuit of art reflects deeper cultural and psychological drives.