Connoisseur

Connoisseurship in Art

• Connoisseurship is the ability to instinctively identify the painter of a picture.
• Connoisseurs evaluate art based on their experience with artists’ styles and techniques.
• Responsibilities include attributing authorship, validating authenticity, and appraising quality.
• Connoisseurship is crucial for producing a catalogue raisonné.
• The difference between a connoisseur and an art historian lies in their approach to art analysis.
• Historical perspectives on connoisseurship have evolved over time.
• Connoisseurship played a significant role in attributions of painted pottery in Ancient Greek and South Italian art.
• Notable figures in archaeological connoisseurship include John Davidson Beazley and Arthur Dale Trendall.

Earlier Views of Connoisseurship

• In the 18th century, the term connoisseur was used vaguely to describe a man of taste or a pretend critic.
• Giovanni Morelli highlighted the divide between art historians and connoisseurs in the 19th century.

Connoisseurs in Various Fields

• Connoisseurship extends beyond art to fields like gastronomy, beer, tea, and gourmet products.
• Connoisseurs play a vital role in assessing and appreciating the quality of different products.
• Their expertise contributes to the overall understanding and enjoyment of various consumables.
• Connoisseurship involves a deep knowledge and appreciation of the sensory aspects of products.

Related Terminology and Roles

• Related terms to connoisseur include amateur, appraiser, collector, expert, and sommelier.
• Connoisseurs are associated with enthusiasts, gourmets, and aficionados.
• These terms reflect different levels of expertise and passion in various fields.
• Connoisseurs are valued for their discerning taste and knowledge in their respective domains.
• They often play a role in shaping trends and setting standards in their areas of interest.

References and Further Reading

• Various publications and resources provide insights into connoisseurship.
• Authors like Bendor Grosvenor and Philip Mould have contributed to the understanding of connoisseurship.
• Academic courses, such as the one offered by Christie’s Education, cover connoisseurship in art and the art market.
• The history of connoisseurship is documented in different sources and texts.
• Further reading materials offer in-depth exploration of connoisseurship in different contexts.

Connoisseur Data Sources