Between the Lines

What I’m Reading, Watching, and Learning for Art Law

👩‍💻 Paving the Way for a Career in Art Law

Getting ready for law school is no small task. We’re moving to New York City. I already have assignments for summer reading and preparation.  I’m mindful that art law isn’t just about the casebooks and court filings, it’s about the vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts and the general public – and their access, inclusion, and work challenges. It’s real life. 

That means that I’m keeping up with the art world by following along with art fairs, diving into art history lessons, and discussing the news of the art world.

Here are a sampling of the books, articles, videos, and podcasts that I’m loving right now. They are worth the time if you’re so inclined. 

💡 Art, Law, and Insight

Framing Heritage Destruction as a Human Rights Violation – The way the media reports on a story affects how we think about a topic. This article discusses whether we see victims, aggressors, human rights violators, troops, terrorists, and governments as the protagonists of the stories and news articles that we read. Depending on the slant of the journalism, the meaning of cultural heritage and cultural protection takes on drastically different meanings. Both emotions and priorities are swayed by reporters.  

Whose Monet? – My first law school assignment is to digest the book Whose Monet? by John A. Humbach. It’s a legal primer discussing a Monet painting that was claimed by two people. Gerda DeWeerth owned the painting prior to WWII, and during the war it went missing. Edith Baldinger purchased the painting from a New York art gallery in 1957. In 1982, Mrs. DeWeerth discovered that Mrs. Baldinger possessed the painting, and a complex legal battle began. 

This real-life lawsuit, DeWeerth v. Baldinger, took place several decades ago but still has implications for how art is authenticated and assigned provenance. 

The Law According to Lidia Poët – This Netflix series is based on Italy’s first female lawyer. It’s fashion-forward, feminist, and triumphant. Plus, it’s filmed in the original language so I can practice my Italian. 

SEEN Podcast – I’ve been a SEEN member since Day 1, and love everything Carrie Scott does. She’s an art historian, curator, and educator about the REAL goings on of the art world. Plus, I’ve met her. She’s super cool. 

All the Beauty in the World – I read this book earlier in the year, but wanted to include it here because it’s so heartwarming. Patrick Bringley writes about his time as a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He sees visitors and guards come and go, and learns about art along the way. It’s a special read, something you need to cosy up with in the evenings or gift to your loved ones when they need an extra special story about humanity. 

🤝 Your Turn: Let’s Trade Recs

I’d love to know what’s keeping you inspired, curious, or questioning lately. What should I read, watch, or listen to next? Are there any stories, legal cases, or creative thinkers I should know about? Drop me a note or comment with your recommendations—I’ll feature some in a future issue.