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Chapter Four
Chapter four introduces the newly emerged art writer/critic as an important ally in the economic emancipation of artists. The growing market for writers’ products initiated a search for new topics with which to compete for audiences. By aiding the consumption of cultural goods, these writers performed an economic function essential to the continuing expansion of an art market. In addition, this chapter employs our extensive auction sales data to explore the changing character of art auctions in London from their early beginnings as dealer-staged, unregulated, sales events where caveat emptor ruled to their ultimate establishment as regulated public exchanges and market reference.