Rogues' Gallery: The Rise (and Occasional Fall) of Art Dealers, the Hidden Players in the History of Art

Cambridge University-educated art historian, senior director of impressionist art at Sotheby's London, and author (Breakfast at Sotheby's; The Ultimate Trophy) Hook writes about the lives and careers of some well- and lesser-known art dealers. Moving from the Renaissance to the 21st century, he presents many significant insights into the extraordinary lives and careers of the men and women who purveyed art to kings, merchants, nobles, entrepreneurs, museums, and others. Focusing on the lives and careers of William Buchanan, Joseph Duveen, Paul Durand-Ruel, Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, the Rosenberg brothers, Peter Wilson, Leo Castelli, and others, the author's broad yet detailed survey of art dealers and art dealing in Europe and the United States reveals the techniques and practices used by these extraordinary individuals. He addresses the roles that art dealers and art dealing have played in the development of the art market and the valuation of paintings and also covers related topics going beyond the dealers' relationships with artists, collectors, art historians, art critics, and others.