Is connoisseurship dead?

The article discusses the decline of connoisseurship in the art world and the implications of this decline. It suggests that the role of the connoisseur, who determines the value and importance of artworks, has been overshadowed by market-driven narratives produced by dealers and auctioneers. The article highlights the importance of attribution and authenticity in the art market, as well as the challenges posed by fakes and the legal environment. It also mentions the impact of litigation on connoisseurship, with experts and artist estates refraining from providing authentication due to the risk of lawsuits. The article concludes by emphasizing the value of connoisseurship in assessing aesthetic quality and ranking artworks within their historical context. [Extracted from the article]