Democracy's Medici: The Federal Reserve and the Art of Collecting

Democracys Medici: The Federal Reserve and the Art of Collecting is a book that provides an insider's view of the Federal Reserve culture, larger-than-life personalities, and the fine arts function. It was written by the founding Director of the Fine Arts Program of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, who organized over 110 exhibitions and worked with central banks and museums in Austria, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and The Netherlands to bring exhibits to the Federal Reserve.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Democracys Medici: The Federal Reserve and the Art of Collecting is a captivating profile of the central bank, presented through the unique lens of the authors unconventional art-historical career as the founding Director of the Fine Arts Program of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This insider's perspective by an art historian offers a profound exploration of the Federal Reserve culture, its larger-than-life personalities, and the vital role of the fine arts within the broader context of the Fed's banking and regulatory mission, as well as the economic, political, and social milieu.

Throughout her illustrious 31-year tenure, Goley orchestrated over 110 exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of subjects, from New York graffiti artists to the inaugural U.S. exhibition of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. In addition to her curatorial expertise, Goley expanded her portfolio with a diplomatic mission, beginning in 1988. She collaborated with central banks and museums in Austria, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and The Netherlands to bring captivating exhibits to the Federal Reserve.

Goley's scholarly contributions were noteworthy, encompassing exhibitions such as "The Hague School and Its American Legacy," "The Paintings of Eduard J. Steichen," "Austrian Biedermeier," and "Polish Constructivism." Her dedication and expertise resulted in two exhibitions receiving foreign decorations from The Netherlands and Luxembourg.

In 2006, Goley took on a groundbreaking project: organizing "The Face of Contemporary Art in China," the first of its kind in Washington, DC, for the Federal Reserve Board. This initiative marked a significant milestone, showcasing the evolving landscape of contemporary art in China. Goley's exceptional leadership and vision garnered her recognition, as she was twice knighted in 1982 by Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands and in 1988 by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Despite minimal guidance, Goley managed to build a remarkable art collection where none existed before. J. Carter Brown, Director of the National Gallery of Art, praised the Fed's program, stating that it serves as a model for others in the field to emulate. An interview with the author can be found at {URL}.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538171219