Berthe Weill: Art Dealer of the Parisian Avant-Garde

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This book offers a rich introduction to the life and work of art dealer Berthe Weillthe risk-taking, rule-breaking facilitator of the modernist art movement in Paris.

This book and the accompanying traveling exhibition survey the groundbreaking career of Berthe Weill (1865-1951), the first female modern art dealer. She championed many fledgling masters of modern art from early in their careersincluding Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Amedeo Modiglianias well as numerous other talented artists. Examining Weill's contributions to the history of modernism as a gallerist, a passionate advocate of contemporary art, and a Jew, this book brings to light the remarkable achievements of a singular figure who overcame sexism and anti-Semitism in her quest to promote emerging artists.

The exhibition, co-organized by New York University's Grey Art Museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Muse de l'Orangerie, features some eighty artworks that were originally displayed at her gallery during the first four decades of the twentieth century.

Reviews

"Despite Weills obscurity, her influence was enormous. She was the first dealer to sell Picasso, an early champion of the Fauves and the first and only dealer to exhibit Amadeo Modigliani in his lifetime."ANTIQUES AND THE ARTS WEEKLY

"Berthe Weill (1865-1951) promoted Matisse and Modigliani, and was Picassos first dealer. This overdue show will include many pieces that once hung in her gallery."ARTDAILY.COM

"Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Suzanne Valadon and Raoul Dufy are just a few of the icons championed by Berthe Weill, the first woman modern art dealer. Weill, who maintained a gallery in Paris from 19011941, was an important yet overlooked figure in art history. Dedicated to promoting the work of emerging avant-garde artists, she fought sexism, antisemitism and fierce competition to become a major influence within 20th century art. Bringing together many works shown in her trailblazing gallery, an exhibition at New York Universitys Grey Art Museum offers a portrait of Weill, but also provides a window into a period of radical innovation and creative transformation."CHRISTIE'S

Author Bio

Lynn Gumpert is director of New York University's Grey Art Museum.

Marianne Le Morvan is director and founder of the Berthe Weill archives. Anne Grace is curator of modern art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Stphane Aquin is director of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Claire Bernardi is director of the Muse de l'Orangerie in Paris.

Robert Parker is an independent art scholar.

Charles Dellheim, professor of history and Jewish studies at Boston University, is author of Belonging and Betrayal: How Jews Made the Art World Modern.

Sophie Eloy is assistant director of the Muse de la Vie Romantique in Paris.

Kirsten Pai Buick is director of Africana studies at the University of New Mexico.

Ambre Gauthier is an art historian and independent curator.