Art Market Research

This book is for art market researchers at all levels. A brief overview of the global art market and its major stakeholders precedes an analysis of the various sales venues (auction, commercial gallery, etc.). Library research skills are reviewed, and advanced methods are explored in a chapter devoted to basic market research.
Because the monetary value of artwork cannot be established without reference to the aesthetic qualities and art historical significance of our subject works, two substantial chapters detail the processes involved in researching and documenting the fine and decorative arts, respectively, and provide annotated bibliographies. Methods for assigning values for art objects are explored, and sources of price data, both in print and online, are identified and described in detail.
In recent years, art historical scholarship increasingly has addressed issues related to the history of art and its markets: a chapter on resources for the historian of the art market offers a wide range of sources. Finally, provenance and art law are discussed, with particular reference to their relevance to dealers, collectors, artists and other art market stakeholders.

Tom McNulty is the librarian for Fine Arts at New York University’s Bobst Library. He is also an adjunct professor of art market research at Sotheby’s Institute, New York.

Tom McNulty
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 332
Bibliographic Info: 7 photos, appendices, notes, index
Copyright Date: 2014
pISBN: 978-0-7864-6671-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1397-0
Imprint: McFarland

Preface 1
One. The Big Picture: Researching the Global Art World 5
Two. Buying, Selling and Valuing Art 20
Three. Researching Fine and Decorative Arts: Methods Old and New 39
Four. Researching Works of Art: Basic Methods and Sources 67
Five. Decorative Arts Research: Basic Methods and Sources 140
Six. Market Research: Works of Art 204
Seven. Market Research: Decorative Arts 232
Eight. Sources for the Study of Art Market History 259
Nine. Provenance and Art Law Research 275
Appendix A: Art Market Journals, Magazines and “Current
Awareness” Sources 291
Appendix B: Apps for the Art Market Researcher by Erin Elliott 295
Appendix C: Elements Required for a Correctly Prepared
Appraisal by the Appraisers Association of America 298
Notes 303
Index 305

• Reviews of the second edition: “Highly recommend[ed]…the author is a long-time expert and librarian on this topic”—ARBA
• Reviews of the first edition: “Comprehensive…highly recommended”—Choice
• “Wealth of information…useful, well-written”—ARBA
• “Detailed…bibliographic references are outstanding”—Midwest Book Review
• “McNulty is a clear and graceful writer…excellent”—Personal Property Journal
• “Useful…a veritable road map for research”—Maine Antique Digest
• “Valuable…a welcome addition”—Art Libraries Journal.