Faculty Advisor(s)
Jennifer Black
Files
Download Poster (815 KB)
Abstract
In the early American republic, immigrant entrepreneur Michael Paff helped lay the groundwork for the modern American art dealing industry. Emigrating from Germany's Black Forest region as a child, Paff evolved from a shopkeeper selling musical clocks and luxury goods into one of New York City’s popular art dealers of his time to eventually outmaneuvering rivals like John Jacob Astor. Operating out of prominent Broadway locations, Paff orangized exhibitions featuring hundreds of works attributed to Old Masters. Though later scrutiny uncovered widespread misattributions and fraudulent sales after his death, Paff's charisma, passionate restoration efforts, and passionate marketing methods captured the enthusiasm of early American collectors during his lifetime. Drawing on period census records, newspaper prospectuses, court petitions, and contemporary accounts, this biographical sketch examines Paff’s entrepreneurial impact, the legal and financial maneuvers of his widow Maria following his death, and his enduring legacy in American consumer culture.
Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Poster
Department
History, Government, Law & National Security
Keywords
Michael Paff, art gallery, exhibtion
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities
Recommended Citation
Bennett, Jasmine R., "Collectors, Copies, and Frauds: The Place of Authenticity in the Early US Art Market" (2026). SURF Posters 2026. 2.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/surf2026/2