Web site adds complimentary art research tools

Art Business News, Feb, 2005

BOSTON -- Artfact, the information resource for simplifying art and antique research, appraisal and pricing, introduces three new art research tools, "Fine Art Style Guide" "Artist Directory," and "Artfact Premium," furthering its mission to offer a wealth of accessible free information to meet the needs of the art and antiques market.

"Part of Artfact's mission has always been education" says Jonathan Fairbanks, vice president of research and curator emeritus at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. "While providing the information services that the market needs, we also want to be known for advancing an understanding and appreciation of antiques and art through our free educational features and directories."

The "Fine Art Style Guide" and the "Artist Directory," together comprise the world's largest open encyclopedia of art, free of charge. The "Artist Directory" includes nearly 50,000 American and European artists, containing biographies and examples of the artists' works sold recently at more than 500 auction houses. The "Fine Art Style Guide" provides definitions and links for more than 40 fine art and design styles and movements.

"Artfact Premium," for $35 a month, offers unlimited access to the last five years of auction records--more than 2 million auction-catalog entries and what is said to be the highest concentration of digital photos available. The database records include all of the original auction house information, research, condition, provenance, estimated and realization prices, and photos.

For more information on services, call 617-252-5020.