Art Dealers, Prices, And The Press

Art Dealers, Prices, And The Press

Why are art dealers so reluctant to publicise their sale prices? Survey of 25 galleries finds only a handful willing even to discuss the issue. Findings: Secrecy gives dealers more room to negotiate, to steer works towards admired collectors; and it preserves the mystique of the market, which purports to be more about aesthetics than money. “Dealers feel that they are engaged in a cultural activity, as well as a commercial one”