Understanding Art Markets

Iain Robertson is Head of Art Business Studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. He consults for Hana Bank, South Korea; Deloitte, Luxembourg, UBS; Corporate Art Collection; Royal Bank of Canada; Lisbon University; The Macao Institute, Lisbon; Athena, New York, and; Tsinghua University, China.

'This in depth analysis of the international art market is a must read for students and experienced participants wishing to gain a greater understanding of the complex workings of this world and the key ideas and forces that drive it. The chapter on chinese art is particularly fresh and incisive. I strongly recommend this book.' - Robert Bradlow, Senior Director and Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Sotheby’s London, UK'In claiming that the international art market reflects us, Iain Robertson holds up a mirror every bit as beguiling as Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. In doing so he proves his own worth as a witty but sure-footed guide.' Alistair Hicks, Author of The Global Art Compass. New Directions in 21st Century Art (2014). 'Iain Robertson takes a deep dive into the international art market, in an account that is both impressive in its depth and breadth. He explains the processes by which art is created and valued within the socio-economic context of post-war consumerist society, with a painstakingly curated choice of art and artists from around the world and across the centuries. This is a must-read for anyone involved in the art trade, as well as the casual reader curious about how a single painting can be valued at more than $250 million.' - Sundaram Tagore, Owner of the Sundaram Tagore Galleries, USA'With the art markets of the world colliding, growing and changing at an unprecedented speed, Iain Robertson's new book guides both the expert and uninitiated reader alike through the history and nature of this very particular industry. His text exudes charm and insight in equal measure and sheds much needed light on the real reasons why people buy art.' - Stephen McCoubrey, Curator for Asia and Europe, UBS Art Collection

• Part I: Technical and Structural Mechanisms 2. The Structure of Art Commodity Markets 3. Art, Religion, History and Money 4. Legal and Ethical Issues Part II: The Markets for Art 5. The Modern and Impressionist Market: The politics of success 6. International Contemporary Art: An art world explanation of its value 7. Chinese Taste for Chinese Art 8. Old Masters: A gradual change in values Part III: External Factors 9. Art Valuation and Investment 10. The Public Cultural Domain: The state, museums and the built environment 11. The Evolution of Craft into Art