Arts and Artists in the Reflection of Economic Society - Softcover

This text examines the relationship between the fine arts and economics - the contribution of various art forms toward economic growth and development, and the impact of economic factors on the creation of art. It identifies the economic factors that can affect the emergence, flourishing and disappearance of artistic activities. It begins with an analysis of the artistic markets where the players cannot be measured by standard economic yardsticks. The cast of characters includes users, who are initially unaware of the kind of satisfaction they can gain from unknown works of art; and the artists, who are more interested in letting the creative muse guide their endeavours than in creating specifically defined works on demand. The book then explores the various dynamics that influence the development of the artistic sector. It provides a way to evaluate art from an economic perspective - one that explains both the creation and development of creative movement, without judging the existence of works of art only in terms of economic logic.

Xavier Greffe is professor of economics and arts and media at the University of Sorbonne, Paris.