What Are the Inventories?
The Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture document more than 400,000 art works in public and private collections worldwide. The Inventory of American Paintings includes works by artists who were active in America by 1914. The Inventory of American Sculpture has no cut-off date and includes works from the colonial era through contemporary times. These online databases are supplemented by a photographic collection of over 80,000 images. The photographs are available for study purposes in our Washington, DC office. Digital images appear in the online database for reference purposes only. Search the art inventory databases online via SIRIS (the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System).
Report, Change or Add Art to Inventories
We have compiled the Inventories from exhibition and collection catalogs, journal articles, collection checklists, and reports received from owners. Daily we add and update records in the Inventories and we welcome additions contributed from owners.
- Guidelines for Reporting Works (pdf, 16k)
- Painting Report Form: Online form or PDF (12k)
- Sculpture Report Form: Online form or PDF (10k)
Contact Information
If you have questions or need assistance with database searches, let us know. Contact us by email at artref[at]si.edu or call us at (202) 633-8380.
Written queries can be addressed to:
Research and Scholars Center
Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture
Smithsonian American Art Museum
MRC 970, PO Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012