The Emergence of the Antique and Curiosity Dealer in Britain 1815-1850: The Commodification of Historical Objects

The Emergence of the Antique and Curiosity Dealer in Britain 1815–1850: The Commodification of Historical Objects explores the less-studied roles of dealers in the nineteenth-century antique and curiosity markets, focusing on the archive of John Coleman Isaac and the broader historical and cultural landscape.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Emergence of the Antique and Curiosity Dealer in Britain 1815–1850: The Commodification of Historical Objects delves into the lesser-explored roles of dealers in the nineteenth-century antique and curiosity markets, challenging the conventional focus on individual collectors. This volume examines the emergence, activities, agency, and influence of antique and curiosity dealers during the early decades of the nineteenth century, situated against the backdrop of the recent shift in scholarly literature towards the art market. The study commences at the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars, when dealers initiated wholesale imports of historical objects, and concludes in the 1850s, coinciding with the specialization of the trade due to the rise of historical museums like the South Kensington Museum (V&A). By examining the archive of the early nineteenth-century London dealer John Coleman Isaac (c. 1803–1887), as well as drawing from a diverse range of archival and contextual materials, Mark Westgarth explores the development of the dealer within a broad historical and cultural context. The emergence of the antique and curiosity dealer was a significant component of the rapid economic, social, political, and cultural transformations that characterized early nineteenth-century Britain. This period was marked by the emergence of antiquarianism, the commercialization of culture, and a distinctive fascination with historical objects.

This book holds appeal for scholars engaged in art history, collecting histories, museum and heritage studies, and nineteenth-century culture. It sheds light on the intricate relationships between dealers, collectors, and the broader cultural landscape, providing valuable insights into the commodification of historical objects and the evolving role of dealers in shaping the history of collecting.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032569918