This book investigates the mechanisms of prestige within the art world to explain why certain cultural forms, critics, and artists receive disproportionate attention and validation. Timothy Van Laar and Leonard Diepeveen, both established scholars in art history and criticism, utilize a sociological framework to deconstruct the art world as a complex network of social deference. By examining the interplay between artists, critics, patrons, and gallery owners, the authors argue that value is not inherent but is instead a socially constructed phenomenon that dictates the rise and fall of artistic reputations.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the sociological underpinnings of the contemporary art market. Readers often note the academic rigor of the prose, which provides a clear lens for analyzing the often opaque processes of institutional gatekeeping.