Robert Miller, whose eponymous gallery has worked with such legendary artists as Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, and GeorgiaO'Keeffe, died on June 22, his gallery announced today. He was 72. Miller's career was defined by his commitment to great women and gay artists, including Eva Hesse, Robert Mapplethorpe, DianeArbus, Joan Mitchell, Patti Smith, Alice Neel,and Gilbert & George.

Miller, who began his career in art as a painter, was originally persuaded to move to New York by his friends Roy Lichtenstein andLee Krasner. Though he intended to continue working as an artist, he had little commercial success and soon transitioned into the gallery world. Before founding his own space, Miller worked as a director at Andre Emmerich Gallery. In 1977, he and his wife, BetsyMiller, opened Robert Miller Gallery, and over the years moved to various locations throughout New York including Fifth Avenue and East 57th street. In 2000, the gallery relocated to West 26th streetin Chelsea, where it remains today.

"Robert Miller was my advocate and mentor," said Patti Smith in a statement. "He never gave up on me. I think of him always when I exhibit my work." He is remembered by friends for his eclectic tastes and delight in flea market treasure hunting. Later in life, he became disenchanted with what he considered to be the increasing commercialism of the art world. "You cannot possess much of the great art in the world, but you can perceive it, particularly through reading," he said. "People are reading less, and that opportunity to perceive is slipping away."

In 2001, Miller retired and his wife, Betsy, and son, Robert Peter Miller, took over the gallery. Over the last 10 years, Robert Miller Gallery has organized solo exhibitions by Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, and Tom Wesselman.