Live your passion for art!
Are you passionate about 18th-century painting? About French furniture? About decorative arts, 19th-century drawing, or prints? Do you love the idea that an artistic or decorative work has traveled through time to reach you, and want to learn its history and showcase it? This Master is made for you!
It will give you, from the Renaissance to modern art, an in-depth knowledge of the major artistic movements and the international markets tied to them. The program will also put you in touch with reputed professionals, let you draw on their experience, and let you take part in prestigious events such as the BRAFA fair in Brussels or TEFAF in Maastricht.
You will thus build real expertise in the international market for ancient and modern art (from the Renaissance to the modern era) and be able to become, in particular, a broker, antique dealer, art dealer, gallery director, sales operator, art expert, collection manager, or exhibition curator.
Key Information About the Master
| Program | Master in International Art Market - Ancient Art |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Admission | Bac+3 for entry into 1st year |
| Lateral Admission | Possible in the 2nd year depending on profile |
| Start Date | October |
| Schedule | Alternating format with internships and/or work-study |
| Certification | RNCP title no. 42330 – level 7 "Artistic and Cultural Projects Administrator" |
| 2027-2028 Fees | €9,700 in the 1st year; €10,300 for M2 lateral admission; €150 in tuition fees |
Why Choose the Master in International Art Market - Old Masters?
Training in Artwork Appraisal
Students study artworks and art objects from the 15th to the early 20th century: painting, drawing, prints, furniture, glassware, silverwork, bronze, sculpture, and ceramics.
They learn to observe, document, authenticate, estimate, and promote artworks in a professional manner.
Carry Out Real-World Projects
In the 1st year, students design a thematic exhibition of old master art: selection of works, catalog entries, scenography, editorial promotion, and communication.
In the 2nd year, each student develops a personal project related to their professional goal, supported by a specialist in the field.
Learning in the Field
The program relies on visits, workshops, case studies, and meetings with art market professionals.
Students interact with auctioneers, antique dealers, gallery owners, curators, conservators, fair directors, and experts.
Understand the Old Masters Market
The master makes it possible to analyze the players, sales channels, economic rules, and international issues of the art market.
Students work on promoting, selling, communicating, distributing, and commercially developing artworks and art objects.
Develop an International Outlook
The old masters market is thought of on an international scale.
The program includes professional English classes, French and international speakers, and opportunities for internships or experiences abroad.
What Are the Goals of This Program?
This program aims to provide the methodological foundations and knowledge needed for a career in the old master art market:
- Appraise artworks and art objects from the 15th to the early 20th century: painting, drawing, prints, furniture, glassware, silverwork, bronze and sculpture, ceramics
- Master the economics and market of old master and modern art to appraise and promote artworks, put marketing policies in place for their sale, and create and run an art market business
- Know how to produce or co-produce an exhibition from concept to communication in a physical venue or on the web/metaverse depending on the target audience
- Write and communicate about old master and modern artworks and art objects, and about exhibitions
What You Will Learn in This Master
The Administrator of Artistic and Cultural Projects title aims at the acquisition of the following skills:
- Defining an Artistic and Cultural Project
- Manage the administrative and financial operations of an artistic and cultural project
- Deploying a Marketing and Distribution Strategy for an Artistic and Cultural Project
- Manage an artistic and cultural project
- Appraise and package artworks and art objects (Specialization A)
What Is the Curriculum of the Master in Old Masters Art?
Year 1
Unit 1 — Knowledge of Works
- Overall approach to artworks (Europe, 15th-18th century)
- Overall approach to artworks (France, 15th-18th century)
- History and art history at Versailles
- Decorative arts seminar (17th-19th century)
- Appraisal of old master paintings: methods, tools, advantages, and limits
- Sculptures and bronzes (15th-18th century): knowledge
- Asian arts appraisal
- Jewelry: knowledge and appraisal
- Watchmaking: knowledge and appraisal
- Photography: knowledge and appraisal
- Historic furniture ensembles
- Appraisal tutorial (with Drouot)
- Study trip to Brussels (BRAFA)
- Exhibition Project “L’ATELIER”
Unit 2 — Distribution of Works
- Art in business: artist residency and the contemporary scene
- Digitalization of the art market
- Publishing and distribution policy
Unit 3 — Professionalization
- Mechanics of the secondary market
- Seminar on forgeries
- Professional English
- Professionalization and meetings with professionals
- Eco-design / Circular economy x Art Market
- Orientation Seminar
- Team Building
- M2 PGR Projects seminar
Unit 4 — Communication and Marketing
- Art market marketing
- Communication Strategy
- DTP
Unit 5 — Law
- Contracts and the Art Market
- Art market taxation
- Copyright law
- Due diligence and the Art Market
Unit 6 — Cultural Asset Management
- Managing an institutional collection
- Showcasing a private collection
- Seminar: Circulation of cultural goods
- Art Advisory
Exams and Defenses
Year 2
Unit 1 — Knowledge of Works
- Overall approach to 19th-century French works
- Overall approach to 19th-century European works
- Overall approach to works 1880-1930
- Modern furniture / French and European design
- 19th-century graphic works and prints
- Appraisal of old master paintings (2): methods and tools
- Ceramics knowledge and appraisal
- Introduction to silverwork
- 19th-century sculpture: knowledge and appraisal
- History of 20th-century sculpture
- Knowledge and appraisal of tribal arts
- Classic cars seminar
- Wines and spirits seminar
- Glass arts knowledge and appraisal
- TEFAF
- Study trip to Amsterdam
- Title preparation
Unit 2 — Distribution of Works
- Scenography/practical workshop
- Transport and insurance of artworks
- Develop a sales/purchasing strategy: advisory
- Seminar: art and finance
- Seminar: Eco-design
Unit 3 — Professional Assignments and English
- Professional English
- Professional Development
- PGR seminar
- Orientation Seminar
Unit 4 — Communication and Marketing
- WordPress
- Community management
- DTP
- Cultural Mediation
Unit 5 — Law and Management
- Manage a budget: exhibition, auctions, fairs
- Provenance research
Exams and Defenses
General assessments:
Throughout the program, students are assessed through continuous assessment (case studies, presentations, reports, written and oral assignments) and semester exams validating theoretical and methodological knowledge.
Students also complete internships or follow the program through an apprenticeship contract. These periods in a professional setting result in an internship or work experience report, defended orally before an academic jury. This assessment verifies students' ability to apply what they have learned in real-world contexts in the arts and culture sector.
Assessment linked to the professional certification of RNCP title 42330:
The level 7 certified title “Administrator of Artistic and Cultural Projects” is awarded after validation of the 5 skills blocks. Each block involves simulated or real professional scenarios, with structured deliverables assessed by a jury of professionals.
Defining an artistic and cultural project
Professional simulation based on a real or fictional case on defining an artistic and/or cultural project.
Case study based on a real or fictional case of designing a cultural and artistic mediation proposal, including documentation on defining an artistic and cultural project.
Deploying a sales and distribution strategy for an artistic and cultural project
Professional simulation of a real or fictional case of deploying a digital sales and distribution strategy for an artistic and/or cultural project.
Practical case based on a real or fictional project to carry out in the art market and/or cultural industries sector.
Leading an artistic and cultural project
Professional simulations based on a real or fictional case on coordinating a project’s stakeholders and on a real or fictional case of implementing a quality system after project closure.
Practical case based on a real or fictional case presenting project management process optimization challenges.
Appraising and packaging artworks and art objects
As part of a professional simulation or a practical case, the candidate authenticates and comments on three artworks, produces a condition report, prepares documentation, estimates the value of a work and determines its sale price, and selects a transport offer and an insurance policy.
Project-based learning
The Master in International Art Market - Old Masters offers a demanding, career-oriented program that combines the acquisition of in-depth historical knowledge with concrete application in the varied contexts of the market, appraisal, mediation, and cultural promotion.
Theoretical courses let students develop a fine-grained knowledge of the styles, schools, techniques, and creative contexts of European art, from the Renaissance to the 19th century. They also include the knowledge essential for entering the profession: history of taste and collections, heritage law, market dynamics, taxation, conservation, and circulation of works.
To let students transfer this knowledge to real situations, the program uses teaching based on practice and experimentation. Many modules take the form of workshops, professional visits, case studies, or workshops. The aim is to put students in direct contact with the works, in galleries, auction houses, museums, or at specialized fairs, in order to train their eye, refine their judgment, and become familiar with the practices of appraisal, description, and negotiation.
The program also includes regular meetings with industry professionals (auctioneers, antique dealers, curators, collectors, conservators, fair directors), which let students test theoretical knowledge against field realities and open concrete prospects for entering the various old master art professions.
A group project is carried out in the first year, in which students design a thematic exhibition of old master art: selection of works, identification of lenders, drafting of catalog entries, scenography, editorial promotion, and communication plan. This project draws on all the skills acquired and introduces students to coordinating cultural events based on a rigorous methodology and museum sensibility.
In the second year, each student develops a personal project, related to their professional plan, which they carry out under the supervision of a specialist in the field. Presented before a certification jury, this project attests to the ability to build independent reflection, draw on expert knowledge, and link it to the logic of promoting and passing on artistic heritage.
Open Day: December 5
Open days let you discover the campus, meet the teams, ask your questions about the program, admissions, work-study, student projects and career opportunities.
It is also an opportunity to better understand the teaching approach of IESA arts&culture and the organization of these programs.
Work-study, schedule, and professionalization
The Master in Ancient Art follows an alternating schedule. This organization allows students to put the knowledge acquired at school into practice in professional settings: galleries, auction houses, cultural institutions, fairs, appraisal firms, or organizations linked to the art market.
Internships and Work-study
Students complete internships or follow the program under an apprenticeship or professionalization contract. These periods in an organization allow them to build field experience and gradually develop their professional network.
In work-study, tuition fees may be covered in whole or in part by the company or a funding body.
Progressive professionalization
Throughout the program, students are supported in building their professional project. The program helps them better understand the professions, the expectations of the sector, expertise practices, and the economic realities of the art market.
Teaching is provided by French and international professionals in culture, heritage, and the art market.
What careers after a Master in Ancient Art?
The International Art Market Master - Ancient Art prepares students for careers in appraisal, sales, promotion, collecting, galleries, exhibitions, and project development in the art market.
Art Trade and Sales Professions Antique Dealer
Broker
Art Dealer
Sales Operator
Art Business Developer Gallery and Collection Professions Gallery Director
Gallery Owner
Art advisor
Collection Manager
Artistic Patronage Manager Appraisal and Valuation Professions Art Expert
Artwork or Art Object Valuation Officer
Appraisal Firm Assistant
Art Insurance Expert Exhibition and Audience Professions Exhibition Curator
Cultural Project Officer
Marketing or Communications Manager
Audience Development Manager
Certification
This master’s program prepares for the RNCP title level 7:
"Artistic and Cultural Project Administrator"
It certifies skills related to the definition, management, funding, distribution, and administration of artistic and cultural projects.
| Employment Rate | 74% at 6 months for students awarded the title, class of 2024 (most recent France Compétences rate - RNCP title 42330) |
|---|---|
| Certification Rate | 92.9%, class of 2024 |
| RNCP Code | RNCP42330 |
This title is issued by: ECAD Consultants - IESA arts&culture by decision of the Director General of France Compétences dated 05/29/2026 for a period of 3 years.
How to Apply to IESA?
Admission is based on an application file and an interview with the admissions committee
- 1. You find out about the school and its programs.
- 2. You apply to the school by filling out a form on the website.
- 3. We call you to schedule an admission interview
- 4. A few days after the interview, you receive your admissibility decision
How Much Does the Program Cost?
For the 2027-2028 year, the fees are as follows:
| Year | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 1st year | 9 700 € |
| 2nd year | 10 300 € |
| Tuition fees | 150 € |
Applicants can contact the admissions team to find out about:
- payment options
- funding options
- the conditions related to work-study
In work-study, program fees under a professionalization contract or an apprenticeship contract will be covered in full or in part by the employer or by a funding body (OPCO).
The Master lasts 2 years. Number of hours of face-to-face teaching and exams:
- Master 1: 630 h
- Master 2: 550 h
Current-year schedule: the number of hours may vary slightly from year to year.
The program follows an alternating schedule, allowing for part-time and full-time professional placements (internships and/or work-study), which are mandatory to complete the program.
Initial prerequisite and work-study:
- Entry into the 1st year (M1): Hold a level 6 certification, or an equivalent degree (foreign degree, etc.), or have earned 180 ECTS credits in the targeted or a related field (art history, culture, etc.)
- Entry into the 2nd year (M2): Hold a level 6 certification, or an equivalent degree (foreign degree, etc.), or have earned 240 ECTS credits, in the targeted or a related field (art history, culture, etc.)
Admission is based on the submission of an application file and an interview with the admissions committee.
Access timeframes: Admissions are open from October 2026 to September 2027 for the October 2027 intake. Applications are processed within 3 weeks maximum after receipt of the complete file.
Enrollment is possible until the start date, subject to available places.
By exception, enrollment is possible after the program start date, following review and verification of the learner’s ability to catch up on the learning already delivered, within a maximum of 1 month after the start of the program.
The professionalization of students throughout the program is a priority. It takes the form of:
- A program followed on an alternating schedule (as an internship or under a work-study contract), allowing immediate, daily application of the knowledge and skills acquired at school
- Teaching delivered by French and international professionals in culture and the art market to engage with the reality and current trends of the market.
- A personalized professionalization pathway to discover all the professions related to the art market and build your own project in contact with professionals.
- Whatever their program, students work on group or individual projects to put into practice the knowledge and skills they are acquiring. These projects are also an opportunity to learn to work in a team, build self-confidence, and tackle the fields and topics that interest them in a concrete way.
Apprentice pass rate: 85.71% (Class of 2024)
Apprentice dropout rate at CFA ECAD during the 2024-2025 year: 2% (Class of 2025)
The program takes place at IESA on the LE DELTA campus (16 rue Claude Bernard, 75005 Paris) and at partner cultural venues.
IESA premises are accessible to people with disabilities. The admission interview and the course of study can be adapted to the needs of those concerned, who are therefore invited to express them as soon as they apply to the school. Contact: handicap@iesa.fr
If you do not obtain the RNCP title, please note that if you have validated all the skills of a block, that skill block is yours permanently.
Equivalences: In case of equivalence, whether through VAE and/or obtaining a skill block or an equivalent certification, it is up to the candidate to present this equivalence to the jury for validation.
Bridging paths: No bridging path for this program.
Further studies: This program is designed for professional entry.