The Australian art world is in shock and grieving the loss of Dutch-born Sydney businessman, art collector and philanthropist John Schaeffer who died on Tuesday after being hit by a utility vehicle in central Sydney on Monday afternoon. Schaeffer, who was 79, is remembered as an art collector of rare passion and a major benefactor to public galleries in Australia and internationally.

“He was unrestrained when it came to his enthusiasm for art and sharing it with others,” said Nick Mitzevich, director of the National Gallery Australia. “He was an extraordinarily generous benefactor both in supporting acquisitions and exhibition.”