In the fast-paced world of the Manhattan art scene between the late 1990s and the 2008 financial crisis, ambitious Lacey Yeager climbs from an entry-level position at Sotheby’s to ownership of her own gallery. She navigates the trade of high-value works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Milton Avery, and Robert Motherwell. The narrative details the mechanics of auction houses, the manipulation of provenance, and the inflation of masterpiece prices. Lacey’s rise involves tactical social maneuvering and ethically gray deals that reflect the broader speculation and eventual volatility of the international art market.
Art history enthusiasts and professionals in the creative industries read this for its technical insight into how paintings are authenticated, valued, and sold. It appeals to those interested in the social hierarchy of New York high society and the specific labor behind the luxury market. Readers walk away with a functional understanding of art appraisal, the logistics of private dealing, and the impact of economic shifts on cultural value.
Balanced in tone; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2010
- Language
- EN
