Descriptive Terminology for Works of Art on Paper

These guidelines address the need for more accurate and consistent documentation of the materials and techniques used to create works of art on paper, and are designed to provide museum professionals charged with describing prints and drawings with a step-by-step approach to describing all aspects of their manufacture. No detailed guide for this has previously existed.

Conservators, curators, and other users at the museum bring different types of knowledge and expertise to the task, and the publication also aims to guide those with less experience or without direct access to the physical artworks in recording information that is accurate regardless of the level of detail. Another goal is to facilitate recording materials information in museum collections databases–a primary source for collections information on the Web.

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The museum’s hope is that the impact of Descriptive Terminology for Works of Art on Paper will:

1. Provide a comprehensive resource for professionals in the fine arts.
2. Enhance the ability of conservators to communicate their knowledge about the material aspects of works of art on paper.
3. Contribute to the education and visual experience of online and in-person museum visitors.