Photograph by Richard Renaldi

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Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Ian Wardropper, author and former director of The Frick Collection and author of The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste in the Gilded Age, published by The Frick Collection in association with Rizzoli Electa.

Wardropper traces the remarkable journey of Henry Clay Frick, who evolved from a hard-edged Pittsburgh industrialist into one of America’s most discerning collectors. He describes how Frick spent two decades developing his eye—beginning with contemporary American paintings before advancing to the rarefied world of Old Master acquisitions at the highest level of the market.

Our conversation delves into Frick’s distinctive collecting philosophy: a relentless emphasis on quality over quantity and a clear vision for creating refined settings in which masterworks of painting and decorative arts could coexist. For collectors and anyone curious about the making of great collections, this episode offers rare and valuable insights.

“Frick was much more careful, studious, looked for the great work coming on the market, did his research and was willing to spend quite a lot of money to get something if he really believed that it was by one of the best artists of great quality, good provenance and good condition.

These were the factors of particular interest to him.”

– Ian Wardropper

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Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

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About the Author

Ian Wardropper served as the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director of The Frick Collection for 14 years, leading the institution through its most transformative period, including the first comprehensive renovation in nearly 90 years and the innovative Frick Madison project. Previously, he held curatorial positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as Chairman of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts and at the Art Institute of Chicago for twenty years. A specialist in European decorative arts and sculpture, Wardropper oversaw ambitious exhibitions, a major capital campaign that raised $242 million, and pioneering digital initiatives including the acclaimed "Cocktails with a Curator" series. He holds a Ph.D. in art history from NYU and was named a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture.

Mama Has Made the Bread (How Things Are Measured) (2018), If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it (2019), Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (2018)

When I first encountered Amy Sherald’s portraits, I was struck by their quiet power—the way her subjects, painted in grayscale against vibrant backdrops, command attention with a presence that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Seeing American Sublime, her first major museum retrospective, at the Whitney Museum of American Art, is an opportunity to experience the full arc of her artistic vision.

Sherald’s evolution is fascinating. From her early works in 2007 to her most recent paintings, her approach to portraiture has expanded in complexity, balancing meticulous realism with painterly abstraction. One revelation in this exhibition is how she subtly shifts between intimate storytelling and broader cultural narratives, exploring Black identity, leisure, and representation in ways that feel both timeless and urgent.

Since her portrait of Michelle Obama catapulted her into international recognition, the market for her work has soared. But beyond its market significance, American Sublime arrives at a crucial moment—offering a profound meditation on contemporary American life and who gets to be seen in art history.

For those visiting, take your time with this show. Certain works invite extended contemplation—Sherald’s large-scale portraits have a way of revealing more the longer you look. Think about what draws you to certain works and how Sherald's approach to portraiture might shift your own perspective on the people she so devotedly depicts.

https://whitney.org/exhibitions/amy-sherald

My Reading the Art World podcast interview with curator Sarah Roberts is now live on Spotify and Apple.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Sarah Roberts, curator of the landmark exhibition Amy Sherald: American Sublime, and editor of the accompanying catalog published by Yale University Press in association with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

In our conversation, Sarah reflects on the distinctive formal and conceptual qualities of Sherald's portraiture—from her considered use of posture and gaze to the symbolic role of clothing, props and settings. She deliberately turns the focus from outward racial identities to her subjects' interior lives. Sarah discusses how these elements in Herald’s paintings operate together to invite a deeper, slower form of looking, where each subject is rendered with quiet dignity and strength.

We discuss the meaning behind the exhibition’s title, "American sublime" in Sherald's work, and how Sherald’s paintings expand our understanding of who deserves to be seen—and remembered—in American art. Sarah Roberts offers insights into her inclusion of Sherald’s portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor in the exhibition, placing them in the context of the artist’s broader practice and showing how they remain consistent with her vision while subverting conventions of official portraiture..

“I think something similar is at work in Amy's portraiture, the stillness of the bodies, the stillness of the faces creates an expectation that we will bring our own thoughts, preconceptions, associations, to the act of looking.”

– Sarah Roberts

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Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

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About the Author

Sarah Roberts is Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Joan Mitchell Foundation where she oversees the Foundation's Artwork and Archival Collections and the Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné project. Since 2004, she has served in progressive leadership roles in the Department of Painting and Sculpture at the SFMOMA, and since 2020 as Andrew W. Mellon Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture. A specialist in post-war American art, Roberts has organized significant exhibitions including major presentations of Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, Frank Bowling, and co-curated the Joan Mitchell retrospective that traveled internationally. Roberts holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Brown University, and has contributed to numerous publications on contemporary art.

Jeff Koons, Hulk (Tubas), 2004-2018. © Jeff Koons, Incredible Hulk ™, and © Marvel. All rights reserved. Photo: Ela Bialkowska, OKNOstudio. Courtesy Palazzo Strozzi and Gagosian.

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with Brian Boucher at Artnet News about the upcoming spring New York art fairs, specifically Frieze.

“The broader economic climate feels distracting to a lot of people, more than necessarily disruptive,” said Kelly. “I am seeing more collectors being more thoughtful, more attuned to value or a long-term decision, maybe because there isn’t the pressure to act quickly. I’m not feeling that frenzy anymore. And that feels more appropriate. My clients have not retreated from the pursuit of collection building. It’s just more selective and discerning.”

Read the rest of the piece here.

The Park Avenue Armory, which will host TEFAF New York from May 9 to 13.Credit...Clark Hodgin for The New York Times

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with Andrew Russeth for The New York Times about the spring art season in New York.

These days, the art adviser Megan Fox Kelly said, after art fairs, “it may take not just weeks, but sometimes months of follow-up to get things sold, and that’s a change.”

Read more of Megan’s thoughts and the rest of the piece here.

Richard Diebenkorn, Ocean Park #41, 1971.

Critic Robert Hughes once called Diebenkorn's Ocean Park paintings “among the most beautiful declamations in the language of the brush.” Ocean Park #41 shows us why— a masterwork of restraint and revision, mood and structure, memory and sensation.

Ocean Park #41 is part of Diebenkorn’s celebrated Ocean Park series, a body of work he developed over nearly two decades while living and working in Santa Monica. With each canvas, he explored not just form and color but the act of painting itself—erasing, reworking, and layering until he arrived at a composition that felt, as he put it, “right.”

Here, you can see that process in motion: lines are drawn and redrawn, planes of color scraped and overlaid, all leading to a calm yet complex balance of geometry and atmosphere.  It’s a painting that remembers its own making—ghosts of earlier decisions shimmer beneath the surface—a visual map of thought, revision, light, and place.

To me, what makes Ocean Park #41 exceptional is how it captures both a specific light and a way of seeing. The luminous palette—grays, greens, soft blues, punctuated by vivid touches of red and gold—mirrors the wash of California light as if through the windows of Diebenkorn’s studio.

This work marks a shift in the Ocean Park series: away from crisp diagonals and saturated contrasts toward something more diaphanous, open, and meditative. Looking closely, the painting seems to build on abstraction, but it behaves like a landscape, one you sense rather than see. It’s an abstract painting with the sensibility of a place—a poetic rendering of how time and light pass through a room by the sea.

This painting, part of the estate of an exceptional private collector, was brought to auction by Megan Fox Kelly Art Advisory and sold at Sotheby’s New York in 2015.

From gifting to trusts to building a private own museum, art collectors can keep the collection—and the peace—intact with strategic estate planning. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Picture this: A dedicated collector, after decades of building a distinguished art collection, passes away, leaving behind an extraordinary group of artworks with no clear instructions. The family is left navigating a complex set of decisions: which works to keep, whether to sell (and if so, where and how) or to donate (and if so, to whom)? ⁠
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Without a plan or an idea of the collector’s intentions and hopes, the art collection—carefully curated over a lifetime—risks being fragmented, undervalued or even sold under financial duress.⁠
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Effective planning ensures that a collection remains an enduring part of a collector’s vision—whether through family inheritance, philanthropic gifting or strategic sales. ⁠

Read the full piece in Observer here.

Diverging routes: UK foreign secretary David Lammy (left) and prime minister Keir Starmer head to Washington, DC; Britain is strengthening its AML policies while the US takes a more relaxed approach. Photo: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street; Crown copyright

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with Riah Pryor at The Art Newspaper about the UK’s new sanctions and the impact on the broader market.

“The announcement hasn’t had time for proof of any ‘real-world’ implications, but I expect there will be questions as the spring auction and art fair season gets under way.”

Read the rest of the piece here.

Claude Monet’s Nymphéas goes on view at Sotheby's on October 4, 2024 in London, England. Photo by Michael Bowles/Getty Images for Sotheby's.

As part of the Artnet Intelligence Report, Megan Fox Kelly reflects on the Modern and Impressionist art market.

“Overall, the market remains dynamic, supported by a mix of public and private activity.”

Read the highlight from Artnet here.

Image courtesy of Kristina Reischl and Village Green.

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with journalist Eileen Kinsella about the Impressionist and Modern art market over the past year.

“The November auctions confirmed a stable but highly selective market for Impressionist and Modern art, with collectors focusing on works that combine rarity, quality, and strong provenance,” advisor Megan Fox Kelly said. “Overall, the market remains dynamic, supported by a mix of public and private activity.”

Read the full report from Artnet here.

Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy Frieze / Linda Nylind.

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with the CFA Institute about the delicate balance between emotional connection and financial value in art collecting. "Unlike with traditional investments, collectors are deeply influenced by their emotional connection to the works they purchase," Kelly explained. "The emotional satisfaction of ownership is a critical factor, which often makes it difficult to treat art like a purely transactional asset unless it is purchased solely for storage and future sale."

For those building or expanding collections, understanding this dynamic is crucial. "People want the works they love to also be good investments, and they hope the works that are good investments will align with their tastes. Unfortunately, that's not always the case."

The article addresses how collectors can approach this tension while considering various market segments. While trends fluctuate, the fundamental principles of thoughtful collecting remain constant.

Visit our Services to learn how we support both new and established collectors.

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Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Michael Findlay, influential art dealer, director at Acquavella Galleries, and author of Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man, published by Prestel.

His memoir offers a captivating, firsthand account of New York's vibrant downtown art scene in the 1960s and '70s, when Findlay directed one of SoHo's first galleries. Through personal stories and vivid anecdotes, he shares his encounters with Andy Warhol, John Baldessari, Hannah Wilke, and numerous creative figures who defined this transformative era in American art.

Throughout our conversation, Findlay shares previously untold stories about the birth of SoHo's gallery scene and offers rare insights into how today's art market evolved from those experimental beginnings. For collectors, artists, and anyone interested in cultural history, Findlay's perspective on what made this era so distinctive is invaluable.

“The memoir is actually not so very different from [my other books, The Value of Art and Seeing Slowly]. It's perhaps telling the story of how I got to have the opinions or the feelings, or to put it pretentiously, the philosophy, that I expressed in the first two books.

That comes from active seeing, not from an academic background.”

– Michael Findlay

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Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

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About the Author

Michael Findlay is a leading art dealer who has directed Acquavella Galleries in New York since 2000. Previously, he was International Director of Fine Arts at Christie's and ran his own influential SoHo gallery. He introduced American audiences to Joseph Beuys and Sean Scully while launching the careers of numerous contemporary artists.

Originally published in Observer.

In 2025, the world of art publishing offers a remarkable lineup of books that invite readers to explore the lives and legacies of groundbreaking artists, visionary collectors and transformative movements. From John Singer Sargent’s formative years in Paris to Ruth Asawa’s pioneering sculptures, this curated list highlights stories that illuminate the personal, cultural and historical forces shaping the art world. These books blend scholarly insight with compelling narratives, offering fresh perspectives on icons like Georgia O’Keeffe, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci, while celebrating the innovative spirit of contemporary figures such as Shahzia Sikander.

As an avid reader of art books, I’m especially excited to dive into these titles—they promise to inspire, challenge and deepen our understanding of art and its enduring impact. Whether you're drawn to the glittering world of Gilded Age collectors or the spiritual intensity of Caravaggio’s final masterpiece, these volumes are more than beautiful additions to your shelves—they’re windows into the creativity, resilience and ambition that define the art world’s legacy. I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Sargent and Paris

By Stephanie L. Herdrich

Publication: 4/29/25

Stephanie Herdrich provides a meticulously researched account of John Singer Sargent’s formative years in Paris, a city that deeply influenced his development and rise in the art world. This work offers fresh insights into how Sargent’s Parisian experiences shaped his masterful approach to portraiture and social observation, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of place and artistic identity. The traveling exhibition will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (April 27–August 3, 2025) and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris (September 22, 2025–January 11, 2026).

Ruth Asawa: Retrospective

Edited by Janet Bishop and Cara Manes

Publication: 4/15/25

In this sweeping retrospective study, Bishop and Manes capture the breadth of Ruth Asawa’s innovative and wide-ranging career, from her delicate wire sculptures to her transformative public works. The authors provide us with an intimate look at Asawa’s process and legacy, bringing Asawa’s legacy to life and underscoring her role as a pioneering figure in 20th-century American art. The associated traveling exhibition will be on view at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (April 5–September 2, 2025), The Museum of Modern Art, New York (October 19, 2025–February 7, 2026), Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain (March 20–September 13, 2026) and Fondation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel, Switzerland (October 18, 2026–January 24, 2027).

Georgia O'Keeffe: The Late Work

By Randall C. Griffin
Publication: 2/25/2025

Griffin’s study of O'Keeffe’s later works is a revelation, opening new dimensions of this iconic American modernist as she grappled with age and creative evolution. Through thoughtful analysis, Griffin illuminates the quiet power of O’Keeffe’s late artistic expressions, making this a must-read for those captivated by her enduring legacy and the resilience of her creative drive.

The Last Caravaggio

By Francesca Whitlum-Cooper

Publication: 1/7/2025

Whitlum-Cooper’s study of The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, Caravaggio’s final masterpiece, delves into themes of mortality, spirituality and Caravaggio’s shifting stylistic innovations. By weaving together historical insight and close analysis, Whitlum-Cooper sheds light on Caravaggio’s legacy and offers an illuminating look at the artist's bold treatment of complex themes.

Leonardo da Vinci: An Untraceable Life

By Stephen J. Campbell

Publication: 2/4/25

Image courtesy Princeton University Press

Campbell’s An Untraceable Life is a bold re-evaluation of Leonardo da Vinci, challenging the myths surrounding one of history’s most iconic figures. Campbell’s intelligent re-contextualization presents Leonardo not as an unreachable genius but as a deeply human artist of his time, making this a thought-provoking read for those drawn to the nuances of Renaissance art.

Shahzia Sikander

By Jason Rosenfeld

Publication:  5/29/2025

Rosenfeld’s comprehensive portrait of Shahzia Sikander presents an artist whose work bridges continents, histories and artistic traditions. With nuanced insight, he captures Sikander’s journey from Lahore to New York, revealing an artist who redefined the possibilities of contemporary art and left a lasting mark on the global art scene.

The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste during the Gilded Age

By Ian Wardropper, Foreword by Julian Fellowes

Publication: 3/11/2025

Wardropper’s examination of the Frick family’s collecting story is an illuminating study in taste and ambition at the height of the Gilded Age. With elegant prose and careful detail, Wardropper traces the Fricks' evolving vision, offering readers a glimpse into the making of one of America’s most refined collections, a cornerstone of cultural heritage.

Dorothea Tanning, Musical Chairs, 1951. Photo by Glen Cheriton. Image courtesy of Gallery Wendi Norris

Megan Fox Kelly spoke with Eileen Kinsella at Artnet News about the factors contributing to the market growth of Dorothea Tanning.

“What we’re seeing now is a broader trend of recognition not only within the market but also curatorially in Surrealism and also in female artists. I think the confluence of those two things is contributing to some growth in her market.”

Read the rest of Megan’s thoughts here.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Sebastian Smee, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic for The Washington Post and author of Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism, published by W. W. Norton.

His book explores how the violent political upheavals of 1870-71 Paris influenced Impressionism, impacted the lives of artists—including Degas, Manet, Morisot, Renoir and Pissarro, who survived those dramatic days—and inspired the movement's revolutionary spirit.

Through rigorous research into personal letters and historical documents, Smee illuminates the human context behind familiar masterpieces of light created during this dark period. He offers a fresh perspective on why the Impressionists, with their newfound sense of the fragility of life, turned toward transient subjects of modern life, leisure, fleeting moments and the impermanence of all things in the aftermath of such devastating events.

“ If you look at one of the characteristics of Impressionism, there is this sense of wanting to capture a certain feeling of transience, fugitive light, ever changing light conditions, but also changing social relations and a sense of flux in everything.”

– Sebastian Smee

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Listen to this podcast on Spotify and Apple

Order the book here

Learn more about the podcast Reading the Art World here.

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About the Author

Sebastian Smee is an art critic for the Washington Post and winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. His previous works include The Art of Rivalry and books on Mark Bradford and Lucian Freud. He was awarded the Rabkin Prize for art journalism in 2018 and was a MacDowell Fellow in 2021.

Lorraine O'Grady, "Art Is…(Girlfriends Times Two)," part of the inaugural season at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Photo by John Berens / Courtesy of the Studio Museum in Harlem

Journalist Ryan Kailath spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about upcoming New York City art gallery and museum exhibitions to see in 2025.

“Whether you’re drawn to historic masterpieces or contemporary innovations, there’s something extraordinary for everyone,” wrote art advisor Megan Fox Kelly in an email.

Read the rest of the article at Gothamist here.

Courtesy Art Basel

The 2024 art market has been a study in contrasts—a year that showcased resilience, selectivity and recalibration. As an art advisor, I’ve witnessed shifts in collector behavior, dealer strategies and auction dynamics that reveal both challenges and opportunities. Looking ahead to 2025, my advice is simple: think strategically, focus on quality and resist the temptation to treat the art market as a monolith.

Find out more by reading the article here.

Step inside a world of stories, art, and inspiration. Boutique bookstores are more than shops—they’re sanctuaries where time slows, shelves reveal treasures, and every book feels like a discovery. For those who love the written word and the visual world, these intimate spaces often hold art books you won’t find anywhere else. Perfect for gifts—or a quiet afternoon just for yourself. Here are some favorites to visit:

Kramers

An institution in the capital, Kramers offers thoughtfully curated books alongside the irresistible draw of its restaurant and bar. Sip, browse, linger—this is a book lover’s dream.

1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

Every corner feels artfully arranged here, from its hand-picked books to its charming café. A beautiful stop in historic Beacon Hill for reading, dining, and escaping into a literary world

71 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114

Argosy Book Store

A haven for rare books and collectors, Argosy holds six floors of history, art, and forgotten titles. From Midtown Manhattan to its Brooklyn outpost, it’s a place for curious minds to unearth the extraordinary.

116 E 59th St
New York, NY 10022

RJ Julia Booksellers

Wandering the shelves at RJ Julia feels like a conversation with a well-read friend. With a wonderful children’s section and cozy café, this independent bookseller invites all ages to lose themselves in its magic.

768 Boston Post Rd
Madison, CT 06443

Atticus Bookstore Cafe

A vibrant meeting place for book enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Atticus is known for its warm atmosphere, fresh market fare, and an inspired selection of titles, including beautiful art books.

1082 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Head House Books

An inviting, intimate space where books are chosen with care. Head House offers a thoughtfully curated collection—perfect for those seeking something special to read or gift.

619 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Book & Books

More than a bookstore, this is a cultural hub. Known for its community events and independent spirit, Books & Books is where readers and thinkers gather to celebrate the joy of books.

265 Aragon Ave
Coral Gables, Florida 33134

There’s something magical about the weight of a book in your hands—a promise of stories, beauty, and insight waiting to unfold. For art lovers, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes creativity, a well-chosen art book is more than a gift; it’s an invitation to explore, dream, and be inspired. This holiday season, these standout titles promise to dazzle and delight.

Listen to the accompanying Reading the Art World podcast episode below.

Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment

Edited by Sylvie Patry and Anne Robbins

Published by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., this book accompanies the exhibition on view through January 19, 2025. To learn more about the development of the exhibition and catalogue, listen to our Reading the Art World episode with show curators here.

Why I picked this: Few moments in art history are as revolutionary—or as beautifully documented—as the first Impressionist exhibition. This book captures the audacity of Monet, Renoir, and their contemporaries with stunning reproductions and compelling essays. A visual and intellectual feast for art history enthusiasts.

Willem de Kooning and Italy

Edited by Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato

Published by Marsilio Arte and distributed internationally by Artbook D.A.P., Willem de Kooning and Italy is the first monograph to expand upon the artist’s two impactful trips to Italy: in the fall of 1959 and in the summer of 1969. Listen to our Reading the Art World episode with catalogue editor and exhibition curator, Gary Garrels,

Why I chose this book: Explore the profound influence of Italy on Willem de Kooning’s work in this gorgeous book. Rich with archival photographs, thoughtful analysis by diverse voices and a deep dive into his creative process, it’s a captivating look at how place can shape an artist's vision. A wonderful choice for modern art enthusiasts or travelers who understand the transformative power of discovery.

Manet: A Model Family

Edited by Diana Seave Greenwald

Published by Princeton University Press, Manet: A Model Family offers a fascinating look at the personal life and family relationships that shaped one of art history's most influential painters. Listen to our Reading the Art World podcast episode with exhibition curator and catalogue editor, Diana Greenwald.

Why I chose this book: Dive into the intimate world of Édouard Manet with this fresh examination of his familial ties and how they shaped his art. Richly illustrated and brimming with new scholarship, this book is a must for anyone curious about the man behind the masterpieces. Ideal for lovers of 19th-century French painting or anyone fascinated by the interplay of personal and creative life. Perfect for those who love art that is both personal and revolutionary, it’s a must-read for fans of French modernism.

Amy Sherald: American Sublime

Edited by Sarah Roberts
Contributions by Elizabeth Alexander, Dario Calmese, Rhea L. Combs and Deborah Willis

Published by Yale University Press, this monograph encompasses the full arc of Amy Sherald’s career.

Why I chose this book: Sherald’s vivid, thoughtful portraits have redefined contemporary art, and this monograph is a testament to her vision. A compelling read for anyone interested in how art shapes identity, it’s both a celebration of Sherald’s work and a meditation on the transformative power of portraiture. With essays that unpack Sherald’s ability to reimagine Black identity in bold, vivid hues, this monograph offers a deep dive into her work, making it an inspiring gift for anyone who believes in art’s power to shape identity and spark conversation.

Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism

By Sebastian Smee

Published by W. W. Norton, renowned art critic Sebastian Smee shows how the “Terrible Year” in Paris was the backdrop to the birth of the Impressionist movement. My Reading the Art World interview Sebastian Smee will launch in January 2025.

Why I chose this book: This book brings history to life, intertwining the harrowing events of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune with the strength of the Parisian spirit. It’s a fascinating and poignant read for history lovers and anyone intrigued by how turmoil reshapes culture, weaving history, culture, and resilience into an unforgettable tapestry.

Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man

By Michael Findlay

Published by Prestel, this memoir from art dealer Michael Findlay provides a personal perspective on New York’s art scene in the 1960s and ‘70s. In the fall of 2022, I spoke with Michael about his other book, The Value of Art—listen to the episode here.

Why I chose this book: In this memoir, Michael Findlay’s charm and wit shine through as he recounts his rise in the art world. A delightful blend of anecdotes and reflections, this book is perfect for art insiders or anyone curious about the business of beauty. Smart, sophisticated, and eminently readable.

Picasso: Endlessly Drawing

Edited by Anne Lemonnier and Johan Popelard

Published by Prestel Publishing, this collection of drawings provides a career-spanning perspective of Picasso’s use of line.

Why I chose this book: An intimate exploration of Picasso’s works on paper, this book reveals the artist’s insatiable creativity and his love affair with the act of drawing. With its elegant design and insightful essays, it’s a must-have for anyone intrigued by Picasso’s genius.

The Art Front: The Defense of French Collections 1939-1945

By Rose Valland

Published by the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, this book is the first-ever English translation of Rose Valland’s 1961 memoir, recounting the quiet bravery of one of the great heroines of World War II.

Why I chose this book: For the first time, Rose Valland’s gripping memoir, detailing her efforts to protect France’s artistic treasures during WWII, is available in English. This beautifully bound volume, featuring more than 100 images, maps, and a glossary, is brought to life through Ophélie Jouan’s expert translation and Robert M. Edsel’s insightful introduction. A testament to bravery and cultural preservation, The Art Front is a must-read for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone captivated by stories of resilience in the face of war. This book is a treasure, much like the masterpieces it seeks to defend.

How Painting Happens (and why it matters)

By Martin Gayford

Published by Thames & Hudson, How Painting Happens (and why it matters) brings together numerous artists’ voices, collected from conversations conducted over three decades. Author Martin Gayford offers insight into the practice and impact of painting. This past spring, I spoke with Martin about his book, Venice: City of Pictures; listen to the episode here.

Why I chose this book: For anyone who has ever stood in front of a painting and wondered why it moves them, this book offers profound and thoughtful answers. Perfect for deep thinkers and art lovers alike, it’s a celebration of painting as both an act of creation and a timeless human connection.

Surrealism

By Didier Ottinger and Marie Sarré

Published by Editions du Centre Pompidou and ACC Art Books in conjunction with the Centre Pompidou’s landmark exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto, this extraordinary catalogue celebrates the movement that forever changed the way we see the world. As the exhibition tours globally from 2024 to 2026, Surrealism captures the energy, audacity, and boundless imagination of Magritte, Dalí, Carrington, Tanning, Ernst, and more.

Why I chose this book: Curated with the same daring spirit as the movement itself, the book defies traditional layouts, featuring a dynamic design that mirrors the multi-faceted nature of Surrealism. Essays by leading scholars, including Mary Ann Caws—a celebrated authority on Surrealism—are paired with original excerpts from Breton’s manifesto, immersing readers in the movement’s radical ideas.

A must-have for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the subconscious or the artistry of dreams, this catalogue is more than a companion to an exhibition—it’s an essential work that redefines the art of thought and vision. A captivating and bold gift for the dreamers, thinkers, and art lovers in your life.

Oliver Barker at the rostrum during the Sydell Miller evening sale last week. Courtesy Sotheby's

Journalist Karen Ho spoke with Megan Fox Kelly about fall auctions and how she looks at the market as a whole.

“The art market is not a monolith,” art adviser and past president of the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA) Megan Fox Kelly told ARTnews after the sales week. “It’s often more accurate, I think, to analyze the market at the level of the individual work.”

Read the rest of the article at ARTnews here.