Mercato dell'arte - Prof. Cecilia Paolini - a.a. 2025/2026
Indice degli argomenti
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The course, held only in English, is structured according to four specific learning objectives:
- Historical Understanding: To provide students with a solid understanding of the evolution of the art market, from its origins in the Late Middle Ages to the present day. Students will be able to identify and analyse the main historical phases and changes in the economic, social and cultural dynamics of the art market.
- Analysis of Market Dynamics: In-depth study of the economic structures, supply and demand mechanisms and the main players (artists, dealers, collectors, auction houses, galleries, etc.) that have characterised the art market in different historical periods. Students will develop the ability to assess the impact of these actors on artistic practices and the value of works.
- Study of Historical Sources and Documents: Teaching the critical use of historical sources (such as contracts, inventories, letters, and sales records) for the reconstruction of market dynamics. Students will be trained in the analysis and interpretation of archival documents related to the art trade.
- Critical Analysis of the Contemporary Market: Offering a critical perspective on the contemporary art market, linking current dynamics with historical ones. Students will be able to assess the challenges and opportunities of the current market and understand the influence of globalisation and new technologies on buying and selling practices and the value of artworks.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of English and art history
TEXTBOOKS:
Paolo Coen, Il mercato dei quadri a Roma nel diciottesimo secolo, Firenze, Leo S. Olschki 2010, pp. 3-79.
Patrizia Cavazzini, Painting as business in early seventeenth-century Rome, University Park of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University Press 2008, pp. 147-170.
Georgina Adams, Dark side of the Boom (versione inglese o italiana), Monza, Johanan & Levi 2019, pp. 29-55; 79-120; 147-170.
RECOMMENDED
Cecilia Paolini, Paul Bril e Ambrogio Buonvicino: un sodalizio artistico e finanziario attraverso cinque atti notarili tra la fine del ‘500 e l’inizio del XVII secolo, “Studi Secenteschi”, v. LXI, 2020, pp. 239-254.
Raffaella Morselli, Professione pittore. Il caso Bologna tra Cinque e Seicento, Venezia, Marsilio 2022, pp. 142-154.
Course content
The lectures follow a chronological progression according to the following topics:
Introduction to the Art Market- Definition and key concepts: art market, artistic value, market value, collecting.
- Course structure and learning objectives.
The Art Market in the Late Middle Ages
- Historical and social context: the medieval economy and early forms of the art market.
- The role of the Church and aristocratic patronage.
- Art production and the market for religious works of art.
- The emergence of guilds of artists and merchants.
The Renaissance and the Establishment of the Art Market
- Development of Italian cities and Renaissance patronage.
- The figure of the art dealer: intermediaries and workshops.
- The change in the relationship between artists and patrons.
The Art Market between the 17th and 18th centuries
- The birth of the first art auctions and the expansion of collecting.
- The role of the academies and the consolidation of the art market.
- The influence of European monarchies and cultural elites.
- The spread of the art market in the Netherlands and France.
19th Century: Industrialisation and Market Transformation
- The emergence of art galleries and universal exhibitions.
- The figure of the art critic and his role in the market.
- The change in artistic production: from Academies to modern art.
The Art Market in the Late 19th and Early 20th Century
- The birth of the avant-garde movements and their impact on the market.
- The role of galleries and collectors in the affirmation of modern art.
- The market dynamics in Paris, Berlin, London and New York.
- The expansion of auction houses and the professionalisation of the market.
The Art Market after the Second World War
- The globalisation of the art market and the role of the United States.
- The first biennials and international art fairs.
- The birth of the contemporary art market and the new trends.
The Contemporary Art Market
- Dynamics and trends in the contemporary market.
- The role of galleries, auction houses and international art fairs.
- The influence of new technologies: digital art, NFT and online sales.
Future Perspectives of the Art Market
- Forecasts and emerging trends in the art market.
- The evolution of collecting in the digital age.
- The impact of sustainability and social responsibility in the art market.
LEARNING ASSESSMENT
There is only one final test, in English, at the end of the course. It is based on multiple-choice questionnaires related to the topics covered during the lectures.
The final exam will be held in English. -
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