Catalogue raisonné meaning

A catalogue raisonné is a comprehensive catalogue of an artist's body of work, documenting each piece in detail and providing authentication and provenance information.


Catalogue raisonné definitions

Word backwards eugolatac énnosiar
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "catalogue raisonné" is a noun.
Syllabic division cat-a-lo-gue rai-son-né
Plural The plural of the word "catalogue raisonné" is "catalogues raisonnés."
Total letters 17
Vogais (5) a,o,u,e,i
Consonants (7) c,t,l,g,r,s,n

A catalogue raisonné is a comprehensive, scholarly catalog or list of all known works by an artist or within a specific category. These catalogues provide detailed information on each work, including descriptions, images, provenance, exhibition history, and other relevant data.

Importance of Catalogue Raisonné

Having a catalogue raisonné is crucial for art historians, collectors, galleries, and museums to authenticate and document an artist's body of work. It serves as a reference point for determining the authenticity of a piece and helps in tracking the artist's artistic development over time.

Components of a Catalogue Raisonné

A typical catalogue raisonné includes a detailed inventory of an artist's works, organized chronologically or thematically. Each entry provides information such as title, date, medium, dimensions, current location, previous owners, and a bibliography of sources related to the work.

Research and Verification

Creating a catalogue raisonné involves extensive research, including studying archives, consulting experts, and examining each artwork thoroughly. The goal is to verify the authenticity of each piece and establish a complete record of an artist's oeuvre.

Van Gogh’s catalogue raisonné, for example, was compiled by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and includes over 2,000 pieces by the artist, providing invaluable insights into his life and career.

Online Catalogue Raisonné

In recent years, many catalogue raisonnés have moved online, offering digital access to a wealth of information about an artist's work. This digital format allows for easier updates, broader accessibility, and enhanced search capabilities for researchers and art enthusiasts.

Legacy and Scholarship

By creating a comprehensive catalogue raisonné, art historians and scholars contribute to preserving an artist's legacy and advancing scholarship in the field. These catalogues serve as essential resources for future generations studying and appreciating the work of a particular artist.


Catalogue raisonné Examples

  1. Art collectors often rely on a catalogue raisonné to verify the authenticity of a painting.
  2. Scholars use a catalogue raisonné to study the complete works of a particular artist.
  3. Museums may use a catalogue raisonné to document and categorize their art collections.
  4. Art dealers refer to a catalogue raisonné to determine the value of a piece of artwork.
  5. Researchers use a catalogue raisonné to track the provenance of a painting.
  6. Art historians often consult a catalogue raisonné to analyze an artist's development over time.
  7. Curators rely on a catalogue raisonné to organize exhibitions of an artist's work.
  8. Auction houses use a catalogue raisonné to authenticate and appraise art pieces before sale.
  9. Collectors may purchase a catalogue raisonné as a reference guide for their art collections.
  10. Art students use a catalogue raisonné to learn about different styles and techniques in art history.


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  • Updated 19/04/2024 - 02:22:29