Florine Langweil and the Rise of the East Asian Art Market (1852-1945)

Research and writing leading to a book about the Alsatian art dealer Florine Langweil (1861-1958) and the emergence of the international art market for East Asian art, from 1852 to 1945.

Searching the Internet for '19th-century art market' returns results (text and image) featuring European paintings and sculptures sold by men. Generally absent from the accepted story of the 19th-century European art market is the trade in works from the Far East—notably Japan and China—many sold by women and Japanese and Chinese nationals. Florine Langweil and the Rise of the East Asian Art Market (1852-1945) adds a new dimension to understanding of this market by telling the forgotten story of Florine Langweil, one of the most important dealers in East Asian art. Her social ascension from working-class Alsatian transplant to Parisian notable and international advocate for public museums provides fresh insights into this international market and the opportunities it offered women and immigrants. This first book to trace Langweil's important contributions to the international art market raises questions about power, prestige, and public institutions central to the humanities.