For the thirteenth episode of "Reading the Art World," host Megan Fox Kelly speaks with Michael Findlay, author of The Value of Art: Money, Power, Beauty. Lately, so much of the conversation around art and collecting and the art market is about value — value in terms of price and investment return. But Michael talks about value in terms of the inherent value of the art itself, and he gives us thoughtful perspective on not merely the financial but the emotional. The book abounds with anecdotes of collectors and artists from the 19th century through today and what those stories tell us about investing, collecting, amassing and loving art — with updated sections on NFTs and digital art. If someone thinks this is just an investment guide, they’ll be pleasantly surprised that it is not.

As director of Acquavella Galleries in New York, Michael has been a private art dealer for over four decades. He was also International Director of Fine Arts at Christie’s auction house. The book draws on Michael’s life experiences as an art lover, collector, auction house specialist and art dealer. He has experienced extraordinary growth in the market over the last several decades and his insights on art and his work with artists and collectors inform this book. In addition to “The Value of Art,” Michael wrote “Seeing Slowly: Looking at Modern Art,” a book I recommend to so many of my collectors.

Purchase “The Value of Art: Money, Power, Beauty” by Michael Findlay at Prestel. 
 
Music composed by Bob Golden.