The art crisis

Abstract

"How art has become the victim of thieves, smugglers, and respectable investors."

Contents

Part 1: Stolen art: The flight from Tours: anatomy of an art theft -- Dealers and wheeler-dealers: the black market in art -- A great interest in linen: the recovery of stolen art -- At the shrine of art: art theft as a social phenomenon -- Part 2: The antiquities crisis: The reputable dealer: shades of morality in the antiquities business -- Four pounds of sugar: who does the dirty work? -- The package deal: the effect of the middleman in Africa -- Ethics and after: the museum's dilemma -- Riding with the chauffeur: why governments do not help -- A practical issue: a collector's viewpoint -- Part 3: The art boom: The £100 rule: the growth of art auctions -- Better than gold: art and corporate investment -- The value of a Rembrandt: museums and their trust.