This module introduces you to the history of the art market, an interdisciplinary academic discipline of great dynamism. It draws attention to the developments of the key agents in the art market within their historical perspective, such as notion of patronage, distribution channels for works of art and the auction and dealer systems. The module emphasises the way in which the European phenomena of collecting and exchange were globalised in the 20th century and continue to develop in multiple ways in the 21st century. The module guides you through the resources available for research into the history of the art market and introduces you to the cross-disciplinary skills involving economic, political and collecting histories, which are necessary to develop a rounded understanding of the subject. On completion you should achieve a new perspective upon the history of art within its markets, integrating the aesthetic and the economic. Taught through a series of lectures and seminars, it is assessed by presentation and a critical essay. Independent learning skills will be developed throughout the module, through directed reading and study visits.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Lectures will be given to introduce topics and present complex materials and to guide students in directed reading in preparation for seminar sessions. In addition to this there will be visits to appropriate exhibitions, galleries, buildings and/or museum collections. Seminars will present students with opportunities to work through previously set problems, most of which will involve considerable self-directed investigation and reading as well as peer discussions. Tutorial sessions will be provided on a regular basis and these will provide the opportunity to develop understanding on a small group basis, better to reinforce understanding of concepts, ideas and themes. Independent learning skills will be developed throughout the module, through directed reading and study visits.
The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all. Students should check this site on a daily basis for module information, timetables, sign-ups, updates and additional information and teaching materials.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas. An example of this is the presentation skills curriculum which will be delivered through Lynda.com.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials | 66 |
| Guided independent study | 234 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment will be through an individual 10-minute presentation and a 3,000 word essay. A research journal will be encouraged as a formative element of development, supporting continuous engagement, enhancing writing skills and facilitating a peer research community. There will be opportunities for further formative assessment on the development of the research journal in seminars and through Canvas.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Demonstrate a critical and questioning knowledge and understanding of the history of the decorative, fine and applied arts | Individual presentation |
| 2. Demonstrate detailed research informed knowledge of how this has been shaped and developed through changes in the way that arts objects have been traded | Individual presentation |
| 3. Demonstrate an ability to analyse critically how the arts market has been organised and developed | Essay |
| 4. Demonstrate critical theoretical understanding of the relationship between the cultural values and economic values of the arts market | Essay |
| 5. Demonstrate a developing understanding of connoisseurship of fine and decorative arts | Essay |
| 6. Demonstrate an ability to research and present a specific case-study of these issues. | Individual presentation |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Presentation (10 Minutes) | Practical exam | 40% |
| Essay (3,000) | Coursework | 60% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It is NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Bayer, T. and Page, J. (2011) The Development of the Art Market in England: Money as Muse, 1730-1900. London: Pickering & Chatto
Blom, P. (2003) To Have and to Hold. An Intimate history of collectors and collecting. Overlook Press
Fletcher, P. and Helmreich, A. (eds) (2011) The Rise of the Modern Art Market in London: 1850-1939. Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press
Miegroet, H. and Marchi, N. (2006) Mapping Markets for Paintings in Early Modern Europe 1450-1750. Brepols Publishers
Warren, J. and Turpin, A. (eds) (2007) Auctions, Agents and Dealers: The Mechanisms of the Art Market 1660-1830. Archaeopress
Bourdieu, P. (1993) The Field of Cultural Production. Essays on Art and Literature. New York: Columbia University Press
Elsner, J. and Cardinal, R. (eds) (1994) The Cultures of Collecting. London: Reaktion Books
Goldstein, M. (2000) Landscape with Figures: A History of Art Dealing in the United States. United States of America: Oxford University Press