Posthumous Art, Law and the Art Market: The Afterlife of Art

This book explores the practice of making art after an artist's death, critically examining it from various perspectives such as art history, economics, and law. It discusses the growing market for posthumous works and the legal challenges faced by this practice. Non-Western approaches to posthumous art are also explored, highlighting the contrast between traditional rituals and contemporary market-driven approaches. The book is intended for scholars and professionals in the fields of art history, art law, art management, museum studies, and economics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into an interdisciplinary, transnational, and cross-cultural exploration, critically examining and challenging the remarkably resilient practice of creating art after an artist's passing in their name. Through the insightful lenses of scholars from diverse fields such as art history, economics, and law, as well as practicing artists, the book sheds light on this intricate phenomenon. Works of art, including sculptures, etchings, prints, photographs, and conceptual art, are often remade from original models and plans long after the artist's passing, a practice known as posthumous production. Recent sales have indicated a growing market acceptance of posthumous works, coinciding with ongoing inquiries within art history. However, legal norms struggle to keep pace with this surge, facing conflicts across jurisdictions. Non-Western approaches to posthumous art, ranging from Chinese emulations of non-living artists to Native American performances, incorporate rituals of generational passage that diverge from contemporary, market-driven approaches.

This comprehensive book appeals to scholars engaged in art history, the art market, art law, art management, museum studies, and economics. It offers a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding the creation and consumption of art in the posthumous realm. By exploring the intersections of art, culture, and legal frameworks, the book provides valuable contributions to the field and opens up new avenues for scholarly inquiry and discussion.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032028989