Brokers of the Past

This chapter examines the Benivieni affair, highlighting the discord in the art market between Italians and non-Italians: foreign customers accused Italians of deceit, while Italians argued that foreigners made poor choices and then blamed Italians for their public humiliation. The chapter notes how the Benivieni affair revealed Italy's predicament as a land rich in art and antiquities yet struggling to benefit from this wealth. Italian artists, like Giovanni Bastianini, who replicated great works, were condemned as forgers, exposing the high stakes of the art market during Italian unification. The chapter recounts how Italy, amidst these debates, became a hub for the antiquities trade and a destination for collectors and travelers seeking pieces of history. It covers the rise of the modern antiquarian industry, where Italian dealers and go-betweens catered to the emotional, financial, and aesthetic desires of foreign buyers.