Where passion meets pragmatism

How does a work of art, born from a moment of private passion, acquire a precise public value? Where does culture meet commerce, and how can future leaders learn to navigate this complex and fascinating intersection? At the European School of Economics (ESE), we believe that a true understanding of the global economy requires a deep appreciation for culture. Our philosophy dictates that education must be an immersive, real-world experience.

This principle was recently brought to life when students, professors, and staff from our Florence campus received an exclusive invitation from Pandolfini Casa d’Aste, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected auction houses. This was not just a visit; it was a masterclass in the mechanics of value and the business of art.

A lesson in the mechanics of the art market

Founded in 1924, Pandolfini is a benchmark in the international art world. Guiding our students through this prestigious institution was the esteemed antiques expert, Mario Sani, who offered a fascinating look into the life of an auction house.

This was ESE’s pragmatic approach in action. Students were introduced to the meticulous process behind every auction: from the initial evaluation and cataloguing of artworks to the art of curation and storytelling that frames each piece. They gained invaluable, real-world insight into how provenance, condition, market demand, and aesthetics converge to determine an artwork’s value—a tangible lesson in a market driven by both data and desire.

The Paolucci collection: a study in significance

What made this experience truly exceptional was the private viewing of paintings and artworks from the collection of Antonio Paolucci—a towering figure in Italian cultural life. As a former Director of the Vatican Museums and Minister of Cultural Heritage, Paolucci was a man who not only led great institutions but also possessed a deep, personal passion for art.

Examining his collection was a rare opportunity for our students to understand how a refined, private taste translates into a collection of immense public and historical significance. It was a living example of ESE’s principle of ‘Visibilia ex Invisibilibus’—learning to see the invisible qualities like passion, history, and quality, and understanding how they are made visible through the mechanisms of the market.

An interdisciplinary approach to learning

This visit served as a living case study for students across multiple disciplines. For those in the Art and Finance course, it was a practical demonstration of art as an asset class. For students of our Short Course in Arts and Culture Management, it was a direct look into the professional world they aspire to join.

This interdisciplinary focus is central to the ESE educational model. We believe that future leaders—whether in finance, marketing, or the arts—must be able to think across boundaries and understand the powerful connections between culture and the economy.

Learn more about the arts and culture management course

The three-month Arts and Culture Management short course at ESE Florence is an immersive journey into the operations of the art world. The program is designed for aspiring curators, gallerists, art advisors, and cultural entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion for the arts into a successful career. Combining academic modules on market strategy and collection management with exclusive site visits and industry access, this course embodies the ESE philosophy of learning by doing. It provides the essential tools, network, and knowledge to lead in this vibrant and dynamic field.

Discover the course and apply here