Swiss art dealer turned collector Ernst Beyeler died last Thursday at his home in Basel. His career began at an antiquarian book and print shop, but really launched with some saavy purchases (ie., Klees, Giacomettis) from steel magnate David Thompson. 

In 1997, Beyeler and his wife put their vast modern art collection on public view in a Renzo Piano-designed home museum. He said the purpose was "a need to share these works with others and pass on the profit they bring." Profits from the museum help protect rainforests.