The Value of Art: History of Art Gallery in France and Europe

Nathalie Moureau, Professor of Economic Sciences (University of Montpellier Paul Valéry)

This Art Talk featured a presentation on the art galleries in France, expressing the history and current landscape of the art market. Professor Nathalie Moureau introduced the concept of art market ecosystem, reflecting on how art galleries evolved from 19th-century dealers already active internationally to today’s highly diversified sector. Their number grew sharply from the 1980s to 2020, becoming more heterogeneous in size and strategy. Mega-galleries emerged, operating globally with strong financial power and industrial-style methods, including the digitalization of the art, which transformed the market through platforms and online viewing rooms. This Talk was the opportunity to analyze how large players accelerate artists’ careers while also absorbing talent from smaller galleries.