Evidence state
Observed
A visible fact that can be located in the displayed image before interpretation begins.
Research system / evidence first
Verify Art Claims With Visual Evidence
The research system connects close looking to object records, museum sources and competing interpretations. Every conclusion should show what is visible, what has been verified and what remains debated.
Visual evidence
Three states of a claim
Evidence state
Verified
An object fact or historical claim supported by a retained museum, catalogue or scholarly source.
Evidence state
Debated
An interpretation, attribution or identity question with meaningful uncertainty or competing views.
Verify before interpreting
Holding institutions establish the object record. Catalogues and scholarship support technical, historical and interpretive questions. Image platforms help discovery but do not replace the primary record.
Research workflow
From question to supported result
The workflow is designed for art lovers, students, teachers and researchers. It keeps visual observation, object facts and interpretation connected without treating them as the same kind of knowledge.
Begin with a question
Define what you are trying to understand: an object, figure, composition, source, historical context or comparison.
Locate visible evidence
Record what is present and where it appears before assigning symbolic or historical meaning.
Verify the object record
Check title, maker, date, medium, dimensions, accession number and holding institution.
Test interpretations
Connect the visible evidence to reliable context, then preserve disagreement instead of flattening it into certainty.
Produce a usable result
Compare the work, create a citation, complete an analysis or continue into the related artist, movement and museum.
Curated relationships
Comparison library
Study editor-designed relationships that give two works one question, paired visual evidence, historical context and an argument you can revise.
Explore curated comparisonsPersistent research project
Research Workspace
Keep one artwork identity connected to worksheet notes, comparative evidence, citations and downloadable research results.
Open the workspaceTeaching and reuse
Teaching Resources
Use editable lesson plans, printable evidence cards, comparison assignments, rubrics and classroom presentations built from the same verified records.
Open teaching resources