Dime qué expones y te diré qué vendes... El oscuro negocio de las antigüedades bajo el respetable amparo del coleccionismo artístico

Abstract

The author delves into the nature of the Spanish art market in the early 20th century, where the organization of exhibitions, the acquisitions of antiques, and the diffusion and study of artistic heritage, was usually linked to hidden interests. She highlights the importance of the exploitative approach to the use of public platforms and cultural environments of the country by numerous important figures of the Spanish elites, with the aim of obtaining succulent profits by negotiating with the national artistic treasure. The specific nature of the international exhibitions and their relationship with international collectors markets are some of the issues developped, as well as the issue of when diplomacy mixes with the business of the art market.