Wilhelm Von Bode and the American Art Market - The Rudolphe Kann Collection

Based on an extensive and very meticulous study of different archives and the evaluation of original, previously unpublished, archival material, this book highlights the key aspects and trends of the European and American art markets in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
In particular, the book focuses on how these markets influenced each other from the viewpoint of one of the most prominent museum directors of this period, Wilhelm von Bode (1845-1929). Given the complexity of the topic, the book is structured into two parts. The first part focuses on Bode's interactions with the German banker and dedicated art collector based in Paris, Rudolphe Kann (1845-1905). The second part follows the sale of the Kann Collection to the dealer Joseph Duveen and follows on the relationship between Bode, Duveen and the American collectors.
The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, museum studies, and the art market.

List of contents

Introduction 1. Setting the Scene 2. Rudolphe Kann: Collector and Connoisseur 3. Museum at Home: Building the Kann Collection 4.The Power of Connections: Rudolphe Kann's International Network of Advisers and Dealers 5. Navigating the International Art Market: Rudolphe Kann's Competition in Building His Art Collection 6. The Destiny of Rudolphe Kann's Collection 7. Wilhelm von Bode and the American Art Market Conclusion

About the author

Michaela Watrelot, PhD is the Head Curator at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation.

Product details

• Authors: Michaela Watrelot
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 29.09.2025
• EAN: 9781032472805
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3247280-5
• No. of pages: 222
• Series: Studies in Art Historiography
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > General, dictionaries; USA, Europe, Theory of art, 20th Century, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Management, ART / Museum Studies, ART / Criticism & Theory, ART / American / General, ART / Business Aspects, History of art / art & design styles, c 1800 to c 1900, History of Art, Later 19th century c 1850 to c 1899, Management & management techniques, United States of America, USA, Early 20th century c 1900 to c 1950, Management and management techniques, Museology & heritage studies, Museology and heritage studies, Art: Financial Aspects, ART / European / General, ART / Movements / Modernism