Duveen by S. N. Berham
What a story and a half that this guy was. And its all true! The incomparable Joseph Duveen. Likely the last of the great "robber" art dealers at the turn of the last century. This man dealt in million dollar deals in an age that most people couldn't comprehend such a figure. Duveen dealt with names like Mellon, Morgan, Rockefeller and Frick. More than art he dealt in illusions. He noticed that Europe had plenty of art and America had plenty of money. In his day he almost single-handedly controlled the art market. Another dealer's reputation could be destroyed in a matter of minutes if he crossed Duveen, or even if he didn't cross his path. Today many of his dealings are the fodder for legends. Many of those legends are now seen as being underhanded and downright dirty. The one that that I most hated to hear was that it was Joseph Duveen who was responsible for the chemical stripping of the Elgin marbles. What a tragedy.
This was a pleasurable read and a window into an art worked that no longer exists. This copy is a 1951 book club edition. Hard back with 302 pages. You can find numerous copies of this book online for well under $5.00.
Remember Knowledge is Power So Arm Yourself
Okay. Just when I tell myself that I can't buy any more books-I just have to have this one! Did you ever read "King of the Confessors" by Hovin (I believe that's the right title and name). It's about how Hovin, the once upon a time curator of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, searched out this exquisite piece of art. A true story. Very exciting like this other one.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say that I'm an Art History major in my last year of college so your book intrigues me to no end.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, I've not read that one. Have you read Making the Mummies Dance also by Thomas Hoving. I love to read about the super high end of the art markets.
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