The auction house press day
June 23 2014
Picture: AFP/Via ArtDaily
Sculptures like the above 'La Main' by Giacometti may be worth an estimated £10m-£15m, but still auction houses can't publicise such works without wheeling out some younger, female member of staff to pose for the press photographers. I like to imagine the conversation when they decide who should on hand for the press day;
Head of Marketing: 'We need someone to be on hand for the press photographers, any ideas?'
Head of Sale: 'What about John, who secured the consignment?'
Head of Marketing: 'I wonder if the piece doesn't require a female hand, to, er, resonate with the masculinity of Giacometti's vision?'
Head of Sale: 'Ok, what about Catherine, our senior specialist who wrote the catalogue entry? She knows all about the piece'.
Head of Marketing: 'Hmm. Not quite the right look.'
Head of Sale: 'Marie, the intern?'
Head of Marketing: 'Great idea!'
Still, at least we're spared the white gloves. Might have ruined the ET effect. The sale catalogue is here.
