Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Michael Findlay, influential art dealer, director at Acquavella Galleries, and author of Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man, published by Prestel.

His memoir offers a captivating, firsthand account of New York's vibrant downtown art scene in the 1960s and '70s, when Findlay directed one of SoHo's first galleries. Through personal stories and vivid anecdotes, he shares his encounters with Andy Warhol, John Baldessari, Hannah Wilke, and numerous creative figures who defined this transformative era in American art.

Throughout our conversation, Findlay shares previously untold stories about the birth of SoHo's gallery scene and offers rare insights into how today's art market evolved from those experimental beginnings. For collectors, artists, and anyone interested in cultural history, Findlay's perspective on what made this era so distinctive is invaluable.

“The memoir is actually not so very different from [my other books, The Value of Art and Seeing Slowly]. It's perhaps telling the story of how I got to have the opinions or the feelings, or to put it pretentiously, the philosophy, that I expressed in the first two books.

That comes from active seeing, not from an academic background.”

– Michael Findlay

---

Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

---

About the Author

Michael Findlay is a leading art dealer who has directed Acquavella Galleries in New York since 2000. Previously, he was International Director of Fine Arts at Christie's and ran his own influential SoHo gallery. He introduced American audiences to Joseph Beuys and Sean Scully while launching the careers of numerous contemporary artists.

Originally published in Observer.

In 2025, the world of art publishing offers a remarkable lineup of books that invite readers to explore the lives and legacies of groundbreaking artists, visionary collectors and transformative movements. From John Singer Sargent’s formative years in Paris to Ruth Asawa’s pioneering sculptures, this curated list highlights stories that illuminate the personal, cultural and historical forces shaping the art world. These books blend scholarly insight with compelling narratives, offering fresh perspectives on icons like Georgia O’Keeffe, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci, while celebrating the innovative spirit of contemporary figures such as Shahzia Sikander.

As an avid reader of art books, I’m especially excited to dive into these titles—they promise to inspire, challenge and deepen our understanding of art and its enduring impact. Whether you're drawn to the glittering world of Gilded Age collectors or the spiritual intensity of Caravaggio’s final masterpiece, these volumes are more than beautiful additions to your shelves—they’re windows into the creativity, resilience and ambition that define the art world’s legacy. I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Sargent and Paris

By Stephanie L. Herdrich

Publication: 4/29/25

Stephanie Herdrich provides a meticulously researched account of John Singer Sargent’s formative years in Paris, a city that deeply influenced his development and rise in the art world. This work offers fresh insights into how Sargent’s Parisian experiences shaped his masterful approach to portraiture and social observation, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of place and artistic identity. The traveling exhibition will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (April 27–August 3, 2025) and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris (September 22, 2025–January 11, 2026).

Ruth Asawa: Retrospective

Edited by Janet Bishop and Cara Manes

Publication: 4/15/25

In this sweeping retrospective study, Bishop and Manes capture the breadth of Ruth Asawa’s innovative and wide-ranging career, from her delicate wire sculptures to her transformative public works. The authors provide us with an intimate look at Asawa’s process and legacy, bringing Asawa’s legacy to life and underscoring her role as a pioneering figure in 20th-century American art. The associated traveling exhibition will be on view at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (April 5–September 2, 2025), The Museum of Modern Art, New York (October 19, 2025–February 7, 2026), Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain (March 20–September 13, 2026) and Fondation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel, Switzerland (October 18, 2026–January 24, 2027).

Georgia O'Keeffe: The Late Work

By Randall C. Griffin
Publication: 2/25/2025

Griffin’s study of O'Keeffe’s later works is a revelation, opening new dimensions of this iconic American modernist as she grappled with age and creative evolution. Through thoughtful analysis, Griffin illuminates the quiet power of O’Keeffe’s late artistic expressions, making this a must-read for those captivated by her enduring legacy and the resilience of her creative drive.

The Last Caravaggio

By Francesca Whitlum-Cooper

Publication: 1/7/2025

Whitlum-Cooper’s study of The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, Caravaggio’s final masterpiece, delves into themes of mortality, spirituality and Caravaggio’s shifting stylistic innovations. By weaving together historical insight and close analysis, Whitlum-Cooper sheds light on Caravaggio’s legacy and offers an illuminating look at the artist's bold treatment of complex themes.

Leonardo da Vinci: An Untraceable Life

By Stephen J. Campbell

Publication: 2/4/25

Image courtesy Princeton University Press

Campbell’s An Untraceable Life is a bold re-evaluation of Leonardo da Vinci, challenging the myths surrounding one of history’s most iconic figures. Campbell’s intelligent re-contextualization presents Leonardo not as an unreachable genius but as a deeply human artist of his time, making this a thought-provoking read for those drawn to the nuances of Renaissance art.

Shahzia Sikander

By Jason Rosenfeld

Publication:  5/29/2025

Rosenfeld’s comprehensive portrait of Shahzia Sikander presents an artist whose work bridges continents, histories and artistic traditions. With nuanced insight, he captures Sikander’s journey from Lahore to New York, revealing an artist who redefined the possibilities of contemporary art and left a lasting mark on the global art scene.

The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste during the Gilded Age

By Ian Wardropper, Foreword by Julian Fellowes

Publication: 3/11/2025

Wardropper’s examination of the Frick family’s collecting story is an illuminating study in taste and ambition at the height of the Gilded Age. With elegant prose and careful detail, Wardropper traces the Fricks' evolving vision, offering readers a glimpse into the making of one of America’s most refined collections, a cornerstone of cultural heritage.

Dorothea Tanning, Musical Chairs, 1951. Photo by Glen Cheriton. Image courtesy of Gallery Wendi Norris

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with Eileen Kinsella at Artnet News about the factors contributing to the market growth of Dorothea Tanning.

“What we’re seeing now is a broader trend of recognition not only within the market but also curatorially in Surrealism and also in female artists. I think the confluence of those two things is contributing to some growth in her market.”

Read the rest of Megan’s thoughts here.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Sebastian Smee, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic for The Washington Post and author of Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism, published by W. W. Norton.

His book explores how the violent political upheavals of 1870-71 Paris influenced Impressionism, impacted the lives of artists—including Degas, Manet, Morisot, Renoir and Pissarro, who survived those dramatic days—and inspired the movement's revolutionary spirit.

Through rigorous research into personal letters and historical documents, Smee illuminates the human context behind familiar masterpieces of light created during this dark period. He offers a fresh perspective on why the Impressionists, with their newfound sense of the fragility of life, turned toward transient subjects of modern life, leisure, fleeting moments and the impermanence of all things in the aftermath of such devastating events.

“ If you look at one of the characteristics of Impressionism, there is this sense of wanting to capture a certain feeling of transience, fugitive light, ever changing light conditions, but also changing social relations and a sense of flux in everything.”

– Sebastian Smee

---

Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

---

About the Author

Sebastian Smee is an art critic for the Washington Post and winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. His previous works include The Art of Rivalry and books on Mark Bradford and Lucian Freud. He was awarded the Rabkin Prize for art journalism in 2018 and was a MacDowell Fellow in 2021.

Lorraine O'Grady, "Art Is…(Girlfriends Times Two)," part of the inaugural season at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Photo by John Berens / Courtesy of the Studio Museum in Harlem

Journalist Ryan Kailath spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about upcoming New York City art gallery and museum exhibitions to see in 2025.

“Whether you’re drawn to historic masterpieces or contemporary innovations, there’s something extraordinary for everyone,” wrote art advisor Megan Fox Kelly in an email.

Read the rest of the article at Gothamist here.

Courtesy Art Basel

The 2024 art market has been a study in contrasts—a year that showcased resilience, selectivity and recalibration. As an art advisor, I’ve witnessed shifts in collector behavior, dealer strategies and auction dynamics that reveal both challenges and opportunities. Looking ahead to 2025, my advice is simple: think strategically, focus on quality and resist the temptation to treat the art market as a monolith.

Find out more by reading the article here.

Step inside a world of stories, art, and inspiration. Boutique bookstores are more than shops—they’re sanctuaries where time slows, shelves reveal treasures, and every book feels like a discovery. For those who love the written word and the visual world, these intimate spaces often hold art books you won’t find anywhere else. Perfect for gifts—or a quiet afternoon just for yourself. Here are some favorites to visit:

Kramers

An institution in the capital, Kramers offers thoughtfully curated books alongside the irresistible draw of its restaurant and bar. Sip, browse, linger—this is a book lover’s dream.

1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

Every corner feels artfully arranged here, from its hand-picked books to its charming café. A beautiful stop in historic Beacon Hill for reading, dining, and escaping into a literary world

71 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114

Argosy Book Store

A haven for rare books and collectors, Argosy holds six floors of history, art, and forgotten titles. From Midtown Manhattan to its Brooklyn outpost, it’s a place for curious minds to unearth the extraordinary.

116 E 59th St
New York, NY 10022

RJ Julia Booksellers

Wandering the shelves at RJ Julia feels like a conversation with a well-read friend. With a wonderful children’s section and cozy café, this independent bookseller invites all ages to lose themselves in its magic.

768 Boston Post Rd
Madison, CT 06443

Atticus Bookstore Cafe

A vibrant meeting place for book enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Atticus is known for its warm atmosphere, fresh market fare, and an inspired selection of titles, including beautiful art books.

1082 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Head House Books

An inviting, intimate space where books are chosen with care. Head House offers a thoughtfully curated collection—perfect for those seeking something special to read or gift.

619 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Book & Books

More than a bookstore, this is a cultural hub. Known for its community events and independent spirit, Books & Books is where readers and thinkers gather to celebrate the joy of books.

265 Aragon Ave
Coral Gables, Florida 33134

There’s something magical about the weight of a book in your hands—a promise of stories, beauty, and insight waiting to unfold. For art lovers, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes creativity, a well-chosen art book is more than a gift; it’s an invitation to explore, dream, and be inspired. This holiday season, these standout titles promise to dazzle and delight.

Listen to the accompanying Reading the Art World podcast episode below.

Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment

Edited by Sylvie Patry and Anne Robbins

Published by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., this book accompanies the exhibition on view through January 19, 2025. To learn more about the development of the exhibition and catalogue, listen to our Reading the Art World episode with show curators here.

Why I picked this: Few moments in art history are as revolutionary—or as beautifully documented—as the first Impressionist exhibition. This book captures the audacity of Monet, Renoir, and their contemporaries with stunning reproductions and compelling essays. A visual and intellectual feast for art history enthusiasts.

Willem de Kooning and Italy

Edited by Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato

Published by Marsilio Arte and distributed internationally by Artbook D.A.P., Willem de Kooning and Italy is the first monograph to expand upon the artist’s two impactful trips to Italy: in the fall of 1959 and in the summer of 1969. Listen to our Reading the Art World episode with catalogue editor and exhibition curator, Gary Garrels,

Why I chose this book: Explore the profound influence of Italy on Willem de Kooning’s work in this gorgeous book. Rich with archival photographs, thoughtful analysis by diverse voices and a deep dive into his creative process, it’s a captivating look at how place can shape an artist's vision. A wonderful choice for modern art enthusiasts or travelers who understand the transformative power of discovery.

Manet: A Model Family

Edited by Diana Seave Greenwald

Published by Princeton University Press, Manet: A Model Family offers a fascinating look at the personal life and family relationships that shaped one of art history's most influential painters. Listen to our Reading the Art World podcast episode with exhibition curator and catalogue editor, Diana Greenwald.

Why I chose this book: Dive into the intimate world of Édouard Manet with this fresh examination of his familial ties and how they shaped his art. Richly illustrated and brimming with new scholarship, this book is a must for anyone curious about the man behind the masterpieces. Ideal for lovers of 19th-century French painting or anyone fascinated by the interplay of personal and creative life. Perfect for those who love art that is both personal and revolutionary, it’s a must-read for fans of French modernism.

Amy Sherald: American Sublime

Edited by Sarah Roberts
Contributions by Elizabeth Alexander, Dario Calmese, Rhea L. Combs and Deborah Willis

Published by Yale University Press, this monograph encompasses the full arc of Amy Sherald’s career.

Why I chose this book: Sherald’s vivid, thoughtful portraits have redefined contemporary art, and this monograph is a testament to her vision. A compelling read for anyone interested in how art shapes identity, it’s both a celebration of Sherald’s work and a meditation on the transformative power of portraiture. With essays that unpack Sherald’s ability to reimagine Black identity in bold, vivid hues, this monograph offers a deep dive into her work, making it an inspiring gift for anyone who believes in art’s power to shape identity and spark conversation.

Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism

By Sebastian Smee

Published by W. W. Norton, renowned art critic Sebastian Smee shows how the “Terrible Year” in Paris was the backdrop to the birth of the Impressionist movement. My Reading the Art World interview Sebastian Smee will launch in January 2025.

Why I chose this book: This book brings history to life, intertwining the harrowing events of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune with the strength of the Parisian spirit. It’s a fascinating and poignant read for history lovers and anyone intrigued by how turmoil reshapes culture, weaving history, culture, and resilience into an unforgettable tapestry.

Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man

By Michael Findlay

Published by Prestel, this memoir from art dealer Michael Findlay provides a personal perspective on New York’s art scene in the 1960s and ‘70s. In the fall of 2022, I spoke with Michael about his other book, The Value of Art—listen to the episode here.

Why I chose this book: In this memoir, Michael Findlay’s charm and wit shine through as he recounts his rise in the art world. A delightful blend of anecdotes and reflections, this book is perfect for art insiders or anyone curious about the business of beauty. Smart, sophisticated, and eminently readable.

Picasso: Endlessly Drawing

Edited by Anne Lemonnier and Johan Popelard

Published by Prestel Publishing, this collection of drawings provides a career-spanning perspective of Picasso’s use of line.

Why I chose this book: An intimate exploration of Picasso’s works on paper, this book reveals the artist’s insatiable creativity and his love affair with the act of drawing. With its elegant design and insightful essays, it’s a must-have for anyone intrigued by Picasso’s genius.

The Art Front: The Defense of French Collections 1939-1945

By Rose Valland

Published by the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, this book is the first-ever English translation of Rose Valland’s 1961 memoir, recounting the quiet bravery of one of the great heroines of World War II.

Why I chose this book: For the first time, Rose Valland’s gripping memoir, detailing her efforts to protect France’s artistic treasures during WWII, is available in English. This beautifully bound volume, featuring more than 100 images, maps, and a glossary, is brought to life through Ophélie Jouan’s expert translation and Robert M. Edsel’s insightful introduction. A testament to bravery and cultural preservation, The Art Front is a must-read for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone captivated by stories of resilience in the face of war. This book is a treasure, much like the masterpieces it seeks to defend.

How Painting Happens (and why it matters)

By Martin Gayford

Published by Thames & Hudson, How Painting Happens (and why it matters) brings together numerous artists’ voices, collected from conversations conducted over three decades. Author Martin Gayford offers insight into the practice and impact of painting. This past spring, I spoke with Martin about his book, Venice: City of Pictures; listen to the episode here.

Why I chose this book: For anyone who has ever stood in front of a painting and wondered why it moves them, this book offers profound and thoughtful answers. Perfect for deep thinkers and art lovers alike, it’s a celebration of painting as both an act of creation and a timeless human connection.

Surrealism

By Didier Ottinger and Marie Sarré

Published by Editions du Centre Pompidou and ACC Art Books in conjunction with the Centre Pompidou’s landmark exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto, this extraordinary catalogue celebrates the movement that forever changed the way we see the world. As the exhibition tours globally from 2024 to 2026, Surrealism captures the energy, audacity, and boundless imagination of Magritte, Dalí, Carrington, Tanning, Ernst, and more.

Why I chose this book: Curated with the same daring spirit as the movement itself, the book defies traditional layouts, featuring a dynamic design that mirrors the multi-faceted nature of Surrealism. Essays by leading scholars, including Mary Ann Caws—a celebrated authority on Surrealism—are paired with original excerpts from Breton’s manifesto, immersing readers in the movement’s radical ideas.

A must-have for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the subconscious or the artistry of dreams, this catalogue is more than a companion to an exhibition—it’s an essential work that redefines the art of thought and vision. A captivating and bold gift for the dreamers, thinkers, and art lovers in your life.

Oliver Barker at the rostrum during the Sydell Miller evening sale last week. Courtesy Sotheby's

Journalist Karen Ho spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about fall auctions and how she looks at the market as a whole.

“The art market is not a monolith,” art adviser and past president of the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA) Megan Fox Kelly told ARTnews after the sales week. “It’s often more accurate, I think, to analyze the market at the level of the individual work.”

Read the rest of the article at ARTnews here.

Sotheby's The Now and contemporary evening sale in New York, November 2024. Courtesy of Sotheby's

Journalist Kabir Jhala spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about the Sotheby’s auctions and the impact of the U.S. presidential election.

“… the adviser Megan Fox Kelly noted that while the unsurety of the US presidential race no doubt subdued the amount of high-value lots consigned to the November sales, the election's results are probably too recent to properly impact bidding this week.”

Read the rest of Megan’s thoughts at The Art Newspaper here.

Ed Ruscha’s absolutely stunning 1964 picture Standard Station, Ten-Cent Western Being Torn in Half. Christie's Images Limited, 2024

Journalist Daniel Cassady spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about the Christie’s marquee fall auctions in New York.

“But really it comes down to just a few things, quality of the object, provenance, and desire.”

Read the rest of Megan’s thoughts at ARTnews here.

Ed Ruscha, The Wrap-Up, 1993. Courtesy Sotheby's

Megan Fox Kelly shared her thoughts on the recent UBS and Art Basel Survey of Global Collecting with journalist Angelica Villa, specifically noting buying behaviors heading into the fall New York auctions.

New York art adviser Megan Fox Kelly said there’s a shift right now among the clients she works with, veering away from prestige pieces and favoring ones priced at or below $700,000—the level that ultra-contemporary artists often fall under.

“The focus has shifted to steady, stable buys,” she added.

Read the rest of the article at ARTnews here.

(Top L) Mica Ertegun photographed by Andy Warhol; (Center)Installation of the Harings at Sotheby; (Top R)Matisse; (Bottom L)Rene Magritte, L'empire des lumieres. Harring Exhibition: Photo by Stephen Yang for Sotheby’s; Matisse: Courtesy Sotheby’s; All others: Courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2024.

Journalist Nate Freeman spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about fall auction week in New York.

“The Magritte is unparalleled—it’s been off the market for a really long time, so not only is it iconic, it’s irreplaceable, it’s got provenance and a freshness to the market that always drives demand,” said the art adviser Megan Fox Kelly, who has a number of clients planning to bid next week.

Read the rest of Megan’s thoughts at Vanity Fair here.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Mary Morton, Curator and Head of the Department of French Paintings, and Kimberly Jones, Curator of 19th Century French Paintings at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Together, they discuss their work on the landmark exhibition, Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment, and the accompanying exhibition catalogue.

The conversation centers on the daring spirit of the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, a moment that saw artists defy the prestigious Paris Salon to showcase new ways of capturing modern life. Jones and Morton share insights into the forces behind Impressionism's revolutionary appeal, from the political and social upheavals in France to the transformation of Paris under Haussmannization. They explain how these changes inspired artists to redefine not only the subjects they painted but also how art itself was exhibited and experienced.

“You can talk about things like style and subject and that's a part of it, but my biggest takeaway is how these artists are reclaiming control in a very powerful, forceful, and undeniable way.”

– Kimberly Jones

Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment is on view at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. through January 19, 2025.

---

Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

---

About the Curators

Mary Morton has been curator and head of French paintings at the National Gallery of Art since 2010. She previously served as associate curator of paintings at the J. Paul Getty Museum (2004–2010) and associate curator of European art at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Houston (1998–2004). In 2018, Morton was awarded the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by France's Ministry of Culture. Morton received her PhD from Brown University (1998), concentrating on 19th- and early 20th-century European painting. She also holds a BA in history from Stanford University (1987).

Kimberly A. Jones has been curator of nineteenth-century French paintings at the National Gallery of Art since 2016. A former museum fellow at the Musée national du château de Pau (1990–1991) and the Musée d'Orsay, Paris (1993–1994), she joined the curatorial staff of the National Gallery of Art in 1995 as assistant curator of French paintings. Jones holds a PhD and MA from the University of Maryland with specialization in 19th-century European and American art, as well as a dual degree in art history and studio art from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College).

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Diana Seave Greenwald, curator of the exhibition Manet: A Model Family at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and editor of the associated catalogue, published by Princeton University Press.

Manet: A Model Family offers a fascinating look at the personal life and family relationships that shaped one of art history's most influential painters. Greenwald, Curator of the Collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, reveals how Édouard Manet's complex family dynamics—including his relationship with his mother, his marriage to his brothers' piano teacher, and his role as godfather to her son—influenced his artistic development and provided him with willing models for his groundbreaking works.

“For all the ink spent on Manet's engagement with other artists and time in cafes and he's a bohemian and he's this charming guy and he's a luminary of this moment in Paris, his family was important to him. And it's in the visual record.”

– Diana Seave Greenwald

Diana Seave Greenwald is an art historian and economic historian. An expert in 19th century American and French art, she is currently William & Lia Poorvu curator of the collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Prior to joining the Gardner, Diana was an Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., working in the departments of American and British Paintings and Modern Prints and Drawings. She received a D.Phil. in History from the University of Oxford. Before doctoral study, Diana earned an M.Phil. in Economic and Social History from Oxford and a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Columbia University.

Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

ARTnews editors compiled the definitive list of the world’s top 135 art professionals for 2024. For the second year in a row, Megan Fox Kelly Art Advisory is named one of the top 40 art advisors in the world.

Read the full list here.

Courtesy of Frieze/Linda Nylind

With Frieze London's VIP opening today and Art Basel Paris opening next week, I wrote a guide for collectors in Observer on how to make the most of their time at art fairs this season.

The prospect of acquiring art in the sometimes frenzied art fair environment can be as exhilarating as it is daunting. Yet with so many events packed into a few short months, experienced and novice collectors can use clear strategies and focus to make it rewarding.

Find out more by reading the article here.

Megan Fox Kelly was invited to speak on The Art Law Podcast, a platform that hosts discussions about topics at the intersection of art and law with art lawyers Steve Schindler and Katie Wilson-Milne and their distinguished guests.

This episode includes conversations about the proliferation of resale restrictions in art transactions, what problems they seek to address, who they purport to help, how effective they are, and the legal issues they raise.

Listen to the episode here or below.

Twenty-five years ago, our advisory practice began with the intention and commitment of providing clients thoughtful and informed advice, expertise on building collections of lasting value, and museum-quality services for the care of their art collections. Over the years, we have expanded to include sales and strategic planning for collectors and foundations, preserving artists' legacies through collection and estate planning, and advising on artwork appraisals.

We have advised and appraised numerous significant collections throughout the United States and abroad, including the collections of Michael Crichton, the Robert B. and Beatrice C. Mayer Family, The Terra Foundation of American Art, The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, The Joan Mitchell Foundation, The Thomas Hart Benton Trust, and the Star of Hope Foundation (Robert Indiana), amounting to over $5 billion in fine art assets and completing art appraisals totaling over $6.5 billion.

In 2021, we launched our interview podcast series, Reading the Art World, which presents interviews between Megan Fox Kelly and authors of recently released or upcoming art-centric books. The conversations explore timely subjects in the art world, based on artists and market trends along with published art historical writing. Podcast interviewees include art critic Jerry Saltz; journalist Georgina Adam; former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Daniel Weiss; Former Director of the Yale Center for British Art and current Executive Director of the Rauschenberg Foundation, Courtney J. Martin; cultural strategist, András Szántó; art collector and philanthropist, Marguerite Steed Hoffman; among many others. 

We are grateful to all our clients and colleagues for being part of our practice and look forward to continuing to provide thoughtful guidance in the years to come.

---

Listen to Reading the Art World on Apple Podcasts or Spotify below.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Gary Garrels, curator and editor of Willem de Kooning and Italy, published by Marsilio Arte, distributed internationally by Artbook D.A.P. The associated exhibition is on view at Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia through September 15, 2024.

Willem de Kooning and Italy is the first monograph to expand upon the artist’s two impactful trips to Italy: in the fall of 1959 and in the summer of 1969. These two chapters in de Kooning’s life and career, as reflected in the development of his work from the end of the ’50s to his last works of the ’80s. In addition to essays by the two curators and editors, Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato, this beautifully illustrated catalogue includes contributions from the art historians Jeremy Bleeke, Ester Coen, Anna Coliva and Patrick Elliott.

"De Kooning, unlike so many of the abstract expressionists, was not interested in just rupture, but in continuity. A lot of the abstract expressionists had disdain for tradition and history—wanted to reinvent art and painting. But de Kooning was very steeped in the history and tradition. So he was always looking to the past and was aware of the whole, especially the European tradition of painting.”

– Gary Garrels

Gary Garrels is a highly respected and influential curator for more than thirty-five years at major museums in the United States, including: Dia Art Foundation, New York, Director of Programmes, 1987-1991; Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Senior Curator, 1991-1993; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture, 1993-2000; Museum of Modern Art, New York, Chief Curator, Department of Drawings and Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture, 2000-2005; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Public Programmes, 2005-2008; and again at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as Senior Curator of Painting and Sculpture, 2008- 2020. He is currently an independent curator living and working in New York, focused on projects of special interest.

Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.