Now available in paperback, this insightful volume explores the often-overlooked role of art dealers in art history through the stories of 30 key figures

This volume gathers 30 essays on 30 art dealers, from accounts of crafty opportunists and commercially driven moguls to tales of soulful idealism, exceptional talent and relentless creativity. Featuring figures from the 18th to mid-20th centuries, the book explores their varied roles as cultural architects, eccentric idealists, market-savvy salespeople and more. Highlighting the unexpected creativity of art dealers, their exceptional sensitivity to new art and the impact they've had on shaping the art world, the book challenges the notion that dealers are solely focused on profit. By delving into the past, this publication sheds light on the mechanics of contemporary art dealing--from the artist-centric approach, to the economically driven and personality motivated. Illustrated throughout, Extraordinary Art Dealers is perfect for cultural junkies, fine art and art history students, artists and aspiring or existing art dealers. The book includes chapters on William Hogarth, Joseph Duveen, Betty Parsons, Robert Fraser, Leo Castelli, Alfred Stieglitz, Virginia Dwan, Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy, Malick Sidibé, Peggy Guggenheim and more.
Catherine Ingram is a writer and art historian who has lectured at Tate, Christie's and Imperial College London. She created the illustrated art history series, This is... (Laurence King Publishing).