Art Markets

Catalog description

This class explores the production, sale, display and exchange of works of art, and the patrons, artists and collectors who participate in this economic, social and political form of cultural production and aesthetic valuation. While students will learn about global art patrons, our focus will be on the creation of art markets in Europe beginning in the sixteenth century and expanding globally to the present day. Case studies will explore patterns of transportation, exchange and trade; interactions of collectors, critics and curators; contexts of contemporary collections; new museum architecture; auction houses and commercial galleries; and cultural heritage theft and restitution. Special attention will be paid to the emergence of the contemporary art markets globally via trade routes, migration, cultural revolution, technological innovation, political conflict, energy markets and global competition. Global art markets in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas will be discussed alongside institutions such as art fairs, art foundations, artists’ collectives, and museums. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026. This course will be taught at NYU Florence and will count as an Away J-Term course.