Reflections on Master Drawings Week, New York I was pleased and honored to be asked to write for Master Drawings Week, New York this year, an annual event that I really look forward to. I have been privileged to be part of the drawings world for many years and I can still remember what a pleasure it was on the rare occasions when dealers from abroad came to visit us in New York. We could catch up with our mutual acquaintances over a nice lunch as well as seeing what drawings were available and there was the inevitable talk about the sales in London and Paris. While New York certainly had its own auction scene, the truly important sales were usually in London or Paris. That is different now and New York’s auction houses have definitely come into their own. 2010 will be the fourth year for Master Drawings, New York. Our small world of connoisseurs, collectors, and curators of drawings and prints cabinets become the focus of attention for one week in January every year when dealers from New York and abroad come here so that we who love drawings can survey nearly everything on the market at a given time. Master Drawings Week, New York grew out of the success of Master Drawings Week, London an event that occurs in July during the Old Master sales week in London. Similarly, Master Drawings Week, New York is timed to coincide with the Old Masters sales at Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Drawings offer an intimate and fascinating look into the creative process since they are often the artist’s first thoughts for a work put down on paper. They are unique and have an immediacy which appeals to connoisseur and collector alike. So this special week provides dealers the time to show a broad spectrum of drawing in gallery spaces, with more relaxed and charming settings than the rather cramped space that stands at fairs afford. Along with quiet and not so quiet contemplation the event also provides an alternative to the drawings in the sales. Despite the sometimes awful weather this is a busy and enjoyable week signaling the true start of the New Year after the frenzy of holiday feasting and shopping. It is also pleasant and relaxing to greet old friends and acquaintances and meet new ones. Last year some eighteen dealers participated from the States and abroad, and this year it has expanded to twenty-two. cara dufour denison Curator Emerita Drawings and Prints The Morgan Library and Museum, New York previous page next page