Types of Artists’ Catalogues

There are different types of artists’ catalogues. If the artist is alive and practising, by definition, a comprehensive catalogue of his/her oeuvre cannot be assembled because he/she continues producing more art. The catalogue of a living artist’s work to date is sometimes referred to as a catalogue raisonné in preparation. If the artist is alive but no longer practising, or he/she has passed away, a comprehensive catalogue of his/her oeuvre can be assembled: it is the catalogue raisonné.

The catalogue raisonné can be printed or in digital format. There are advantages and disadvantages to each format.

The catalogue raisonné can cover only one medium used by the artist, e.g. the catalogue raisonné of works on paper. The catalogue raisonné can cover a period only of the artist’s output, for example a period of years. Or the catalogue raisonné can cover the entire oeuvre of the artist.