Art, market and agency at the Venice Biennale, 1895–1993

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This special issue focuses on one of the most longstanding, international, and large scale exhibitions: the Venice Biennale. The keywords ‘art’, ‘agency’ and ‘market’ act as methodological pathways to investigate the evolution of its rich visual library. The texts offer a diachronic approach highlighting significant points of friction and continuity. Marie Tavinor and Davide Lacagnina focus on the first two general secretaries Antonio Fradeletto and Vittorio Pica, who greatly contributed to shaping the institution. Giuliana Tomasella investigates the case of painter Alberto Salietti’s market success at the Biennale in 1942. Both Cristina Beltrami through the decorative arts, and Clarissa Ricci through the attempts at reopening the Biennale sales office, look into the complex relationship of the Venice Biennale with the art market. Lastly, a critical review of the large archival exhibition ‘Le Muse Inquiete/The Disquieted Muses’ held in Venice in 2020, reflects on the Biennale’s complex and fascinating history.