Viewpoint: The Catalogue Raisonné Scholars Association (CRSA)

Abstract

The catalogue raisonne has been the bedrock of art historical research since the late 18th century. It provides the broadest and most comprehensive record of an artist’s work and their historical context. One would think that the contours of the catalogue raisonné would be firmly established by now, and in some ways they are, but new developments in research, demand and publishing have created a moment of transition and rich dialogue concerning the future of this most traditional of art research publications. Changing attitudes toward authenticity, online access and publishing, digital citations and an evolving user base all affect the how a catalogue raisonné scholar completes and disseminates their research.