The Empress and I - by Donna Stein (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

How a unique alliance between two women in the 1970s led to the acquisition of a treasure trove of modern art now worth billions

In the 1970s, American curator Donna Stein served as an art advisor to Empress Farah Diba Pahlavi, the Shahbanu of Iran. Together, Stein and Pahlavi generated an art market in Iran, as Stein encouraged Pahlavi's patronage of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Today, the contemporary section of the Iranian National Collection--most of which continues to languish in storage--is considered one of the most significant collections of modern art outside of Europe and the United States.
The Empress and I is a vivid account of Stein's experience at the height of this storied intercultural initiative In crafting her highly readable narrative, Stein cites a number of previously confidential documents, including private correspondence with artists and dealers. This text explores the relationship between two women united by their shared passion for the arts and the continued legacy of their partnership in today's art world.

Review Quotes

Given her trying experience at the centre of Iran's most ambitious artistic endeavour of the 20th-century, Stein makes no attempt to hide the fact that her book aims to settle some old scores. However, the Empress - for whom Stein claims to have been a 'confidante'- emerges from the memoir relatively unscathed.--Maya Asha McDonald "Tatler"

Laden with period glamour, political intrigue and eye-catching art.--Tim Cornwell "Art Newspaper"

As an adviser to Queen Farah Pahlavi of Iran, Stein acquired works by Picasso, van Gogh and others for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, until revolution intervened.--Maira Garcia "New York Times"

A new book by curator Donna Stein details the whirlwind acquisition process that built that greatest collection of modern art you've never seen ...Of value to anyone interested in the history of the 20th century art market.--James Tarmy "Bloomberg"

As much as it's a glimpse into the art world, it's also a glimpse into Iran in the 1970s, behind the scenes at the highest echelons, accompanied with photos of Stein and the Empress and the works of art.--Deborah Dundas "Toronto Star"

Donna Stein has finally told her extraordinary story in a new book, The Empress and I: a "hybrid," she calls it, "of autobiography, art history and political history".--Robert Weinberg "Iran Wire"

Stein's book is an instructive memoir of adventure, the pleasure and power of art and culture, but also of friendship and loss. It is Stein's hope that these "young, forward-looking Iranians...will continue...to express themselves beyond any limitation or border, east or west.--Hazel Shahgholi "amNY"

The Empress and I tells two interlocking stories: one of a rule-driven, hierarchical, often-dysfunctional bureaucracy that bought Western art at surprisingly reasonable prices for a monarchy flush with oil money; another of the daily life of an unmarried young American woman in Old Regime Tehran.--Elaine Sciolino "New York Times"

Titled The Empress and I: How an Ancient Empire Collected, Rejected, and Rediscovered Modern Art, the tome makes for a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in art history. But besides offering a chance to learn more about paintings such as Pollock's 1950 Mural on Indian Red Ground, the Skira publication is also a study of one woman's personal and professional journey.--Madeline Luckel "Architectural Digest"

In the 1970s, former MoMA curator Donna Stein took on an unusual and highly classified project: advising Farah Pahlavi, the queen of Iran. Here, Stein shares the amazing true story of how she helped build one of the world's most important art collections.-- "Town & Country"

The Empress and I recounts Stein's time spent building the collection, citing previously confidential correspondence with artists and dealers, while exploring the bond she formed with the Empress over a shared passion for art.-- "Christie's Magazine"