March 29, 2024
Updated May 12, 2025
15 minute read
A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming an Art Dealer
i6l3hn|
Find a path to becoming a Art dealer. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/i6l3hn/art
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Art dealer.
Provides a global perspective on the history of art. It must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the subject.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the history of art, with a significant focus on painting. It is an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the evolution of painting styles, movements, and key artists across different periods and cultures. It is widely considered a foundational text for anyone interested in art history.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex question of what constitutes contemporary art. Terry Smith examines the various forces and individuals who shape its definition, including artists, critics, curators, and the market. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the field and is often used in academic settings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Islamic art, from the early caliphates to the present day. It is written by a leading scholar in the field and is known for its high quality and scholarship.
A widely used textbook in undergraduate art history programs, this book offers a detailed survey of Western art, with substantial coverage of painting. It provides historical context, analyzes key works, and introduces major artists and movements. It valuable resource for both broad understanding and deeper study.
Provides a broad overview of Western art from the ancient world to the present day. Kemp, a leading art historian, offers a comprehensive and accessible survey of the major movements, artists, and works of art.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible survey of world art from the ancient world to the present day. Kleiner, a leading art historian, offers a detailed and visually engaging overview of the major movements, artists, and works of art.
Explores key themes and ideas prevalent in contemporary art since 1980. It helps to organize the diverse landscape of contemporary art into understandable categories, making it easier to grasp the motivations and subjects artists engage with. It is often used as a textbook and is highly relevant for understanding the core concerns of contemporary artists.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography. It is written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of art from the prehistoric era to the present day, covering major art movements, styles, and artists. It is written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all levels.
This lavishly illustrated book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of art from the prehistoric era to the present day. It features over 5,000 works of art from around the world.
This classic book provides a detailed overview of the Renaissance in Italy. It must-read for anyone interested in this period of history.
A groundbreaking work on Abstract Expressionism, introducing the movement's major artists, their techniques, and the impact of their work on the development of post-war art. Rosenberg, a leading art critic, provides a compelling and insightful analysis of this influential movement.
A classic work on the Impressionist movement, featuring detailed discussions of the major artists, their techniques, and the impact of their work on the development of modern art. Rewald, a renowned art historian, provides a wealth of insights into this groundbreaking movement.
Rosalind Krauss highly influential art historian and critic. This collection of essays includes her seminal text "Sculpture in the Expanded Field," which redefined how we understand sculptural practice in the late 20th century. is essential for a deeper theoretical understanding of the shifts in art from modernism to postmodernism.
Focuses on socially engaged art, examining practices that prioritize dialogue and interaction within communities. Given the course mentions of activism and social movements, Kester's work provides a critical framework for understanding this important area of contemporary art. It's highly relevant for those interested in the social and political dimensions of contemporary art.
Is an invaluable resource for understanding the principles of color and light as they apply to painting, particularly for realist painters. It bridges the gap between abstract theory and practical application through clear explanations and illustrations. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of these fundamental elements.
A seminal work on color theory, this book explores how colors interact and affect one another through a series of exercises and examples. It classic text that provides a deep understanding of color perception and is highly relevant for painters of all styles. It is often used as a teaching aid in art schools.
Offers a comprehensive survey of contemporary art from a global perspective, with a particular focus on art from Africa and the diaspora. Okwui Enwezor was a highly respected curator and scholar, making thvaluable resource for understanding the increasingly global nature of contemporary art. It provides a broader geographical scope than many other surveys.
This textbook comprehensive introduction to the history of art, covering major art movements, styles, and artists from around the world. It is well-organized and provides clear and concise explanations of complex concepts.
A concise yet comprehensive overview of the Italian Renaissance, covering its art, literature, philosophy, and science. Plumb, a leading historian, offers a balanced and insightful perspective on this transformative period in European history.
A seminal work on Romanticism, exploring its origins, key ideas, and impact on literature, art, and music. Berlin, a renowned philosopher and historian, provides a thought-provoking analysis of this influential movement.
A comprehensive survey of Conceptual Art, covering its origins, major artists, and impact on the development of contemporary art. Alberro, a leading art historian, provides a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of this influential movement.
This visually stunning book by Rolf Toman presents a comprehensive overview of Baroque art, showcasing the major works of architecture, sculpture, and painting from across Europe.
By Robert Enggass, a leading scholar in Baroque art, offers a comprehensive survey of Baroque art and architecture, exploring the period's key themes, styles, and major works.
Arthur Danto's provocative work argues for a shift in the trajectory of art history with the advent of contemporary art. is crucial for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary art and how it diverges from previous art historical narratives. It is considered a classic text that provides a deep theoretical understanding.
This comprehensive sourcebook provides a collection of primary texts by artists, critics, and theorists. It's an invaluable resource for accessing original writings and manifestos that have shaped contemporary art discourse. is excellent for in-depth research and understanding the artists' perspectives firsthand.
Sarah Thornton provides an ethnographic look at the different subcultures that constitute the contemporary art world, from auctions to art schools and biennials. offers a fascinating and accessible insight into the social and economic structures surrounding contemporary art. It's a great read for understanding the ecosystem in which contemporary art operates.
Hans Belting examines contemporary art within a global context, moving beyond a purely Western-centric view. is valuable for understanding the diverse perspectives and influences shaping contemporary art worldwide. It offers a broader, more inclusive understanding of the field.
In this book, Hal Foster examines the relationship between contemporary art, criticism, and the state of emergency. It offers a critical perspective on recent developments in art and its engagement with contemporary social and political issues. It's a valuable resource for understanding current critical discourse.
Written by a pioneer of abstract art, this book outlines Kandinsky's theories on the role of spirituality and emotion in art, particularly painting. It foundational text for understanding the move towards abstraction and the expressive potential of color and form. It offers a philosophical depth to the practice of painting.
For a specialized examination of Baroque painting in Italy, this book by Federico Zeri, a prominent Italian art historian, provides an in-depth analysis of the major works and styles of the period.
A seminal work on Minimalism, exploring its origins, key ideas, and impact on the development of contemporary art. O'Doherty, a leading art critic, provides a thought-provoking and insightful analysis of this influential movement.
A foundational text from the Renaissance, Alberti's treatise laid out principles of perspective, composition, and the role of the painter. It crucial historical document for understanding the development of Western painting and its theoretical underpinnings. While historically significant, it's more valuable for historical context than current techniques.
Offers a unique perspective on the act of painting, drawing parallels between the painter's process and alchemical transformation. It explores the physical and material aspects of painting in a deeply insightful way, providing a different lens through which to understand the medium.
Part of the esteemed 'World of Art' series, this book offers a concise yet informative overview of contemporary art. It's a good starting point for beginners, providing a well-illustrated introduction to key artists, movements, and themes. It serves as a reliable and accessible guide to the subject.
Provides a thorough guide to the techniques and methods of watercolor painting. It is suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their skills in this specific medium, covering everything from basic washes to more advanced approaches.
Delves into the theoretical and philosophical aspects of painting, exploring its relationship with other media and its evolving role in contemporary art. It is suitable for graduate students and professionals seeking a deeper, more critical engagement with the subject.
This recent publication highlights the significant use of threads and textiles in contemporary art. It showcases a wide range of artists working with these materials, demonstrating the diverse approaches and conceptual possibilities within this area. It's a great resource for exploring a specific and increasingly prominent medium in contemporary art. Published within the last five years, it reflects current trends.
Part of the 'Very Short Introduction' series, this book offers a concise and accessible overview of contemporary art. It's an excellent starting point for beginners, providing a brief but informative introduction to key concepts and debates.
By Christopher Rowell provides a concise and accessible overview of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture, highlighting the key features and major works of the period.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the history of art from the prehistoric era to the present day. It is known for its clear and concise writing style, as well as its extensive use of illustrations.
Marina Abramović pivotal figure in performance art, a key area within contemporary art. Her memoir provides a personal and insightful account of her life and artistic practice, offering a direct perspective from a groundbreaking artist. While a memoir, it offers valuable context for understanding the development and impact of performance art.
This concise introduction to the history of art provides a broad overview of the major art movements, styles, and artists from around the world. It is written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all levels.
While primarily a drawing book, the exercises and principles in this text are highly beneficial for painters as they focus on improving perception and observation skills, which are fundamental to representational art. It widely acclaimed book for developing visual literacy.
While contemporary art encompasses various mediums, painting remains a significant practice. provides an overview of contemporary painting, showcasing diverse approaches and styles. It's a useful resource for understanding the continued relevance and evolution of painting in the contemporary context.
Serves as an introduction to creating art using digital tools, specifically focusing on digital painting. It covers fundamental techniques and software basics relevant to the online courses mentioned, providing a good starting point for those new to digital mediums.
A foundational text in the philosophy of art and aesthetics, Kant's work explores the nature of beauty and the sublime. While not exclusively about painting, it provides a crucial theoretical framework for understanding aesthetic judgments in art. It is essential for graduate-level study and those interested in the philosophy of painting.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/i6l3hn/art
Save
