An inventory is effective only if the description of the object allows it to be identified without ambiguity. Generic wording such as "oil on canvas, landscape" offers no protection in the event of theft, damage or dispute. Object ID was created to overcome this limitation, providing a minimum set of descriptive data adopted internationally, without requiring the skills of an art historian.

The nine fundamental categories

  • Type of object: the category of the item (e.g. painting, sculpture, clock).
  • Materials and techniques: support, media and any subsequent alterations or repairs.
  • Measurements: precise dimensions with the unit of measurement stated (for paintings, height and width excluding the frame).
  • Inscriptions and markings: literal transcription of signatures, dates, dedications, stamps, numbers and labels, respecting the spelling and any errors.
  • Distinguishing features: craquelure, losses, restorations or particular features on the reverse. These are to be documented objectively (avoiding vague terms such as "good" or "fair") with text, photographs and, where useful, sketches.
  • Title: the name of the work.
  • Subject: a description of the image, in both specialist and plainly descriptive terms.
  • Date or period: the exact date or the reference time span.
  • Maker and degree of attribution: the authorship of the work, with the level of certainty made explicit (attributed to, workshop of, circle of, follower of).

Additional information, ownership and photographic documentation

The descriptive record is complemented by a short narrative note, a unique and non-invasive identification number, an indication of ownership (individual, spouse, company or trust), the exact location, and the date of compilation and the name of the person compiling it.

Photography is an integral part of the standard: it requires front views (with and without the frame), shots of the reverse, details of distinguishing features or pre-existing damage, even lighting, and scale and colour references within the same shot.

Notes on use and confidentiality

  • The scope of the tool: Object ID is a minimum standard of identification; it does not replace advanced scholarly cataloguing or an analytical condition report.
  • Confidentiality of details: the particular features of the reverse and confidential distinguishing marks should not be made public, since they are the key to exposing false claims of recovery or attempted fraud.