Reviews
Duveen: The Story of the Most Spectacular Art Dealer of All Time by S.N. Behrman, Glenn Lowry
originalmelodie's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
I'm not sure why I picked up this book but boy am I glad I did! What a fabulous story of a man's extravagant tactics in selling art - especially educating the American rich about art.
The author is at times witty with little sarcastic quips that keep you on your toes.
It made me appreciate and intrigued by the moguls of the late 19th century like Morgan, Mellon and Frick - who were painted as ruthless, lonely men who were wooed by Duveen and his view of the world aka art. Lovely knowing the stories behind the intricate purchases of collections I have seen or heard of.
The author is at times witty with little sarcastic quips that keep you on your toes.
It made me appreciate and intrigued by the moguls of the late 19th century like Morgan, Mellon and Frick - who were painted as ruthless, lonely men who were wooed by Duveen and his view of the world aka art. Lovely knowing the stories behind the intricate purchases of collections I have seen or heard of.
sandyjhutti's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know what to expect with Duveen and while I was told it would be great to help with sleeping, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Duveen felt more like a shrewd businessman (with a bit of an ego) more than what I imagined an art dealer would be. I found it interesting that Berenson was covered in his book extensively but Duveen isn't even in Berensons. This book delivered and has sparked my interest in the world of art.
knarusk's review against another edition
5.0
Spectacular insight to the deals and trades of famous paintings and how to manipulate buyers.
gemmamilne's review
5.0
I went to Hatchard’s Piccadilly a few weeks ago, climbed up to the fifth floor’s art section, and asked for a recommendation for learning about the art world. The wonderful American gentleman behind the desk, looking at the selection I’d gathered already, said to me in the most gentle way: “I’d be far more comfortable if you’d start with this biography of Duveen.”
And so I started with this and oh god he was right. What a magnificently written account (it’s actually a compilation of New Yorker articles from the 1950s), with plenty of commentary on status, class, peacocking, value and competition, and of course, a brilliant introduction (based on my very limited understanding) to a world which previously felt so alien to me.
I recommend this book 100%, but even more so, I recommend chatting to people who work in book shops. They are the most passionate, fascinating, helpful people (who should be paid more...) who I find are always so keen to send you off on the most magnificent of adventures.
And so I started with this and oh god he was right. What a magnificently written account (it’s actually a compilation of New Yorker articles from the 1950s), with plenty of commentary on status, class, peacocking, value and competition, and of course, a brilliant introduction (based on my very limited understanding) to a world which previously felt so alien to me.
I recommend this book 100%, but even more so, I recommend chatting to people who work in book shops. They are the most passionate, fascinating, helpful people (who should be paid more...) who I find are always so keen to send you off on the most magnificent of adventures.
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