The New York Market for French Art in the Gilded Age, 1867-1893

The transatlantic study explores the first art market bubble in the United States, focusing on French art's dominance in the Gilded Age. It highlights the commercial art system's establishment and the formation of private art collections and institutions. Diaries, letters, stock books, journals, and art histories provide valuable insights.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This transatlantic study explores a significant gap in the history of art collecting, shedding light on the first art market bubble in the United States. In the decades following the Civil War, French art dominated art collections across the United States, marking a period known as the "Gilded Age picture rush." During this time, a commercial art system emerged, comprising art dealers, galleries, auction houses, exhibitions, museums, art journals, press coverage, art histories, and collection catalogues. This system firmly established itself and has remained influential to this day. Additionally, a strong emphasis on improving aesthetics and providing the best contemporary art for education led to the formation of private art collections and the establishment of institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Furthermore, the publication of art histories played a crucial role in documenting and promoting the art of the period. Drawing from a wealth of sources, including collectors' and art dealers' diaries, letters, stock books, journals, and previously overlooked art histories, The New York Market for French Art in the Gilded Age, 1867-1893, offers a fresh and comprehensive perspective on this transformative era.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501358333