SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 29, 2024 – The ZADIK (Central Archive for German and International Art Market Studies) will host a special event at ART COLOGNE, offering a unique glimpse into the art world through the history of the Hamburg auction house Hauswedell & Nolte.
This marks the first time the archive of an important auction house, founded before World War II and operating until 2016, has been made accessible to a public German archive. When Hauswedell & Nolte closed its doors in 2015, its business documents, spanning nearly 80 years, were entrusted to ZADIK.
The exhibition, titled "The path to art," showcases the journey of countless objects sold through 466 auctions, tracing their paths to collectors, dealers, museums, and libraries worldwide. It delves into the motivations behind collecting, the diverse players involved, and the lasting impact these collections have on the art world.
"Business documents from auction houses seldom become publicly accessible," says a ZADIK representative. "However, the information contained within them offers potential for providing essential data for many fields of research, as files of the art trade are often the only surviving sources documenting change of ownership, especially in the case of private sales. The making visible of the sources and their importance is also a goal of the exhibition."
Exhibition Highlights
- Historical Documents: Explore documents detailing the history and development of Hauswedell & Nolte, one of Germany's most important auction houses in the latter half of the 20th century.
- Tracing Art's Journey: Follow the paths of sold artworks, understanding how they moved from the auction house to various collections around the world.
- Insights into Collecting: Gain insights into the motivations and trends behind art collecting, examining who collected what and why.
- Digital Guide: Enhance your understanding with a digital guide accessible via the Freshmuseum app, providing additional information before, during, and after your visit.
Special Auction
In addition to the exhibition, a unique auction of exclusive cultural experiences will be held on November 9th at 2:00 PM in the ART COLOGNE TALKS LOUNGE. These experiences offer a rare behind-the-scenes look into the art world.
About ZADIK
The Central Archive for German and International Art Market Studies (ZADIK) is dedicated to preserving and researching the history of the art market. It houses a vast collection of documents, photographs, and other materials related to the art trade, providing valuable resources for scholars, collectors, and the general public.
About ART COLOGNE
ART COLOGNE is an international art fair held annually in Cologne, Germany. It is one of the world's leading art fairs, showcasing a wide range of modern and contemporary art from around the globe. ART COLOGNE provides a platform for galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to connect and engage with the latest developments in the art world.