A living library of circulating art
THE MINNAAR TREASURY
Created by sovereign individuals and carried across generations, each Minnaar forms part of a growing collection—cared for, experienced, and passed forward.
The Minnaar Treasury is a circulating body of original artworks by Steven Minnaar—now comprising over 3,000 works—exploring Individual Sovereignty, voluntary exchange, and stewardship over time. Functioning like a library, the Treasury allows collectors to “check out” artworks by placing a refundable deposit.
Like great instruments or rare books, each work moves between collectors, carrying the evolving story of those who have hosted it. Collectors become stewards. For a time, the work lives with them—then continues its journey.
HOW IT WORKS
Each Minnaar carries a Sovereign value (S), a reference unit equal to one ounce of silver.
To check out a work, a collector places a refundable deposit equal to its declared value—or higher, to establish a new value within the collection.
At any time, collectors may upgrade a work’s standing within the Treasury by increasing their deposit.
In this way, collectors can enter the collection at an accessible level, then gradually elevate a work’s value, status, and position within the Treasury as they choose.
Collectors may live with the work, exchange it for another of equal value—building a personal journey through the collection—or return it at any time for a full refund of their deposit.
THE SYSTEM
Each work travels with a Minnaar Passport and is recorded in the Minnaar Registry, documenting its title, declared value, and stewardship history.
Value within the Treasury is not imposed—it is declared, supported, and upgraded by its stewards. Each increase represents a permanent advancement in the work’s standing, recorded as part of its history.
To elevate a work is to leave a permanent mark on its history.
Works may also enter the Treasury through sponsorship, where a collector becomes the founding steward—especially meaningful in portrait commissions.
All works include a Certificate of Authenticity.
Explore the collections below to discover works currently circulating within the Treasury.