Art and Artists

It is helpful to include as much of the following as is applicable when requesting information on artists or works of art:

• Artist's name, initials, or marks.
  
  If artist's signature is difficult to decipher, then reproduce it (by photocopy, photograph, or drawing) and send it with the request.
  
  
• Birth/death dates of artist or time period (for example, 19th century) of artistic activity.
  
  
• Artist's nationality and place(s) or region(s) artist is associated with.
  
  
• Detailed description of the work of art or send a photograph or photocopy of it.
  
  
• Title of art work.
  
  
• Date of art work.
  
  
• Medium (watercolor, oil, bronze, sculpture, etc.)
  
  
• Theme (western, wildlife, marine, portrait, etc.
  
  
• Where or how a work of art was acquired. For example, bought in Chicago in early 1900s or inherited from grandmother, etc.

Please be specific in identifying what the patron wants such as black/white or color illustration, biographical information, valuation on art work, or other information.

The Reference and Loan Library staff do not authenticate or appraise works of art but will forward information found in price guides or other sources checked.

For more information about requesting information on art and artists from the Reference and Loan Library, Wisconsin librarians may call the library toll-free at 1-888-542-5543 (Choose 5 for Reference services). Individual library users should contact their local public library.

For questions about this information, contact Shiela A. Pollock (608) 224-5395

Last updated on 2/25/2008 1:35:50 PM