Selling National Value at the Auction Market: The London and Dublin Markets for Irish Art

Abstract

This article explores how nationality is articulated as a form of art value in the art market, where art is defined in two related ways: instrumentally, in terms of its economic value, and culturally, by defining its meaning and significance. Focusing on the auction market of Irish art in London and in Dublin, and drawing upon interviews with auctioneers in both capitals, it investigates how nationality is produced and marketed as a form of cultural value for Irish art, comparing the specific dynamics of this process in both London and Dublin auction markets. Whilst the findings in this article agree with existing literature on the economic and cultural forms of art value prevalent in art markets, they add to the literature by arguing that the cultural, national element of value-making for Irish art is very pronounced.