Date of Award
Fall 12-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Art History
First Advisor
Dr. Piper Hutson
Second Advisor
Dr. Esperanca M. Camara
Third Advisor
Dr. Alexis R. Culotta
Abstract
This paper analyzes how the development and consequence of symbolic capital influences an art market. This comprehensive, qualitative analysis examines the early twentieth century New York modern art market activated by French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954) and the 1913 Armory Show. This examination derived from the French sociologist, philosopher, and anthropologist Pierre Bourdieu’s (1930-2002) theories provides evidence of the use of symbolic capital by Matisse. The evidence points to the twofold function that symbolic capital holds within the emerging modern art market. The first function of symbolic capital manifests through the nonmonetary value Matisse received from the intangible qualities of reputation and status and the firsthand knowledge of Matisse’s intent to use this first function for greater advantage in the art market. The second function of symbolic capital outweighs economic, social, and cultural capital specific to an art market. The analysis of the twofold function of symbolic capital deems it as a fundamental, dominant factor that influenced the success of Matisse and the new modern art market.
Recommended Citation
Mitchell-Werp, Monica M., "Catch Me If You Can: Henri Matisse’s Chase for Symbolic Capital in the New York Art Market of the Early Twentieth Century" (2020). Theses. 6.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/6