The Art Market
This course will examine the history of the art market, from the 16th century to the present. We will study
the production, sale and exchange of works of art as well as the patrons, artists and collectors who
participate in this economic, social and political form of taste-making and aesthetic valuation. Students
will learn about noted patrons of the arts, such as the Medici family in Renaissance Italy, our main focus
will be on the creation of a global art market in the twentieth century. Using case studies, sample topics
include: the patterns of transportation, exchange and trade; the interaction of collectors, critics and
curators; the spaces and contexts of display of contemporary collections; auction houses and commercial
galleries; and fakes, forgeries, thefts and scandals. Special attention will be paid to considering the
contemporary art market (post 1980) and the collecting, exchange and valuation of film, photography,
painting, performance and installation art. Global markets for the exchange of art in Asia, Europe, the
Middle East, Africa, North America and South America will be highlighted as well as the exhibitions of
contemporary art such as Art Basel, the Cairo Biennale and the Venice Biennale that fuel these markets.
Course Requirements:
• Weekly reading responses/discussion questions: 2-3 questions and no more than one page
submitted to class discussion board by noon the day before class. (20% of final grade)
• 20 minute presentation of the week's reading topic, including extensive bibliographic references
(30 % of final grade)
• Final Research Paper 15-20 pages, Due: May 6
th
, NO EXTENSIONS (40 % of final grade)
• Class participation and attendance at required film screenings, lectures and field trips. (10% of
final grade)
The Art Market
This course will examine the history of the art market, from the 16th century to the present. We will study
the production, sale and exchange of works of art as well as the patrons, artists and collectors who
participate in this economic, social and political form of taste-making and aesthetic valuation. Students
will learn about noted patrons of the arts, such as the Medici family in Renaissance Italy, our main focus
will be on the creation of a global art market in the twentieth century. Using case studies, sample topics
include: the patterns of transportation, exchange and trade; the interaction of collectors, critics and
curators; the spaces and contexts of display of contemporary collections; auction houses and commercial
galleries; and fakes, forgeries, thefts and scandals. Special attention will be paid to considering the
contemporary art market (post 1980) and the collecting, exchange and valuation of film, photography,
painting, performance and installation art. Global markets for the exchange of art in Asia, Europe, the
Middle East, Africa, North America and South America will be highlighted as well as the exhibitions of
contemporary art such as Art Basel, the Cairo Biennale and the Venice Biennale that fuel these markets.
