May 11, 2026, 6 PM – 8 PM

In Conversation: Valentina Castellani and Laura Hoptman

Join author Valentina Castellani in conversation with The Drawing Center's Executive Director Laura Hoptman to celebrate the launch of Castellani's new book Trading Beauty: Art Market Histories from the Altar to the Gallery, published by Gagosian.

An illustrated survey that traces the evolution of the Western art market from the medieval era to the present day, Trading Beauty analyzes how the social, cultural, religious, and economic circumstances of different periods have defined models of art production, validation, and valuation. Castellani peppers her lively account with anecdotes and profiles that highlight key moments and personalities, providing a captivating insight into the mechanisms that have shaped the art market as we now know it.

Valentina Castellani

Valentina Castellani has held leading roles at Sotheby’s and Gagosian and worked as an independent dealer. As deputy director at Sotheby’s in London and New York, she helped launch the inaugural 20th-Century Italian Sale, securing key artworks from major collections. As senior director at Gagosian in New York, she spearheaded acclaimed exhibitions dedicated to Francis Bacon, Lucio Fontana, Piero Manzoni, and Pablo Picasso, among others. Castellani is an adjunct professor in NYU Steinhardt’s Master’s program in Visual Arts Administration. Her book Trading Beauty: Art Market Histories from the Altar to the Gallery will be published by Gagosian in May 2026, with an Italian edition to be released by Allemandi Editore. Valentina sits on the board of the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò of NYU and is co-chair of the board of trustees of The Drawing Center in New York.