The practice of cataloging art is a crucial yet at times, seemingly ill-suited endeavour. In applying uniform terms and practices to the wide-spectrum art, the catalogue entry is an attempt to modulate objects and activities that resist classification. How can the same system describe a 16th century painting, 21st century performance, website, ten metre tall public sculpture and unsigned sketch? 

Despite this, the practice of cataloguing art has evolved to answer the intricacies and mysteries of art. By using industry-standard terms and practices, catalogue entries help collectors, institutions, arts workers and the public understand and keep track of their art, ensuring inaccuracies and confusions are not perpetuated into the official record of history. As one cataloguer at the National Gallery of Victoria reflected, “the work of a cataloguer is never done”. 

Tom Roberts, 'A break away!' 1891. Oil on canvas, 137cm x 168 cm. Collection of the Art Gallery of South Australia.

At Art & Collectors, we utilise industry-standard cataloging practices. Dimensions are listed in centimetre with height before width, and when recording a work’s attribution, we use the following conventions: 

1. Tom Roberts: This work is in the opinion of Art & Collectors, a work by Tom Roberts.  

2. Attributed to Tom Roberts: This work is in the opinion of Art & Collectors, probably a work by Tom Roberts in whole or part. 

3. Circle of Tom Roberts: This work is in the opinion of Art & Collectors, shows influence and style of Tom Roberts and his period. 

4. Studio/Workshop of Tom Roberts: This work is in the opinion of Art & Collectors, possibly executed under the supervision of the artist Tom Roberts. 

5. School of Tom Roberts: In the opinion of Art & Collectors, this work is possibly by a follower or student of Tom Roberts and was produced in the same period. 

6. Manner of Tom Roberts: In the opinion of Art & Collectors, a work created in the style, but not necessarily in the period, of Tom Roberts.

7. After Tom Roberts: In the opinion of Art & Collectors, a copy of a work by Tom Roberts.  

8. “Signed” / “dated”: In the opinion of Art & Collectors, signed and dated by the artist. 

9. “Bears signature” / “bears date”: In the opinion of Art & Collectors, might be signed or dated by someone other than the artist. 

Cataloguing art is a process of perseverance, patience and discovery. We strive to uphold the principles of clarity, consistency and accuracy in our catalogue entries, but sometimes not all the facts are available. If you have any questions about a catalogued work of art or something to add, feel welcome to reach out.