The Ultimate Trophy. How The Impressionist Painting Conquered The World

Cover Type: Softcover
Book Condition: Very Good
Jacket Condition: None Issued
Publisher: Prestel
Publisher Place: New York
Publisher Year: 2010
Edition: First Edition

Description: 215 pages. Book is in Very good condition throughout. The only exception are a few light age markings on the inside page.

Publishers Description: In 1892 Degas painting In the Cafe was sold for a mere 180 guineas at auction with the public hissing as the hammer fell. Less than a century later another Impressionist work, Renoirs Moulin de la Galette sold at Sothebys for GBP44.5 million accompanied by enthusiastic applause. In this history-cum-memoir Philip Hook, Senior Director of Sothebys Impressionist and Modern Art department, examines the publics change of heart toward Impressionism. Starting with its shocking novelty and confounding style, he traces the impact of the Impressionist painting as it spread to Germany, America and Great Britain polarising modernists and conservatives. Equally fascinating is the story of Impressionisms change in status. More than exceptionally pretty pictures, Impressionist works have become a currency in their own right, being bought and sold like blue-chip stock-coveted as much for their monetary worth as for their intrinsic beauty. Drawn from Hooks own experiences with art collectors and dealers, this fascinating chapter in art history is narrated through the lens of todays art market.

ISBN: 9783791350578