Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Period Style • Signature Verification • Authenticity Certificate

Catalogue Raisonné

Term from Art Appraisal industry explained for recruiters

A Catalogue Raisonné is a complete, detailed listing of all known works by an artist. Think of it as the ultimate master list or complete inventory that art professionals use to verify and track an artist's work. It includes detailed information about each artwork, such as its size, when it was made, who owned it over time, and where it has been displayed. These documents are essential tools for art appraisers, museums, galleries, and collectors to confirm if an artwork is genuine and understand its history. It's similar to having a car's complete service history or a building's architectural plans - it's the authoritative record that professionals rely on for authenticity and valuation.

Examples in Resumes

Researched and contributed to the Catalogue Raisonné of Pablo Picasso's ceramic works

Managed documentation and research for the Catalogue Raisonné project of Andy Warhol prints

Assisted in updating the digital Catalogue Raisonné database for modern artists

Collaborated with scholars on the development of a Catalogue Raisonne for emerging artists

Typical job title: "Art Cataloguers"

Also try searching for:

Art Researcher Art Historian Art Cataloguer Art Documentation Specialist Art Archive Manager Art Research Associate Provenance Researcher

Where to Find Art Cataloguers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage a large-scale Catalogue Raisonné project with multiple researchers?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss project management strategies, quality control measures, standardization of research methods, and coordination between team members. They should mention experience with managing deadlines, budgets, and relationships with artists' estates or foundations.

Q: What methods do you use to verify artwork authenticity and provenance?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of various authentication methods, including archival research, technical analysis, expert consultation, and documentation standards. Should discuss experience with resolving conflicting historical records and handling sensitive ownership information.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you document condition reports and conservation history in a Catalogue Raisonné?

Expected Answer: Should explain the process of recording artwork conditions, working with conservators, photographing details, and maintaining accurate records of restoration work. Should mention experience with standard documentation formats and digital archiving systems.

Q: What resources do you use to research artwork provenance?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various research sources like auction records, gallery archives, museum databases, and historical documents. Should demonstrate knowledge of how to track ownership history and document gaps in provenance.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What information should be included in a basic Catalogue Raisonné entry?

Expected Answer: Should list essential elements like title, date, medium, dimensions, signature details, current location, exhibition history, and bibliographic references. Should show understanding of standard cataloguing formats.

Q: How do you organize and maintain research files for a Catalogue Raisonné project?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic file organization systems, both digital and physical, and demonstrate knowledge of proper documentation practices and backup procedures.