The illegal trade of art, antiques, and other cultural objects is one of the most prevalent categories of international crime. Documentation is a crucial security measure, for law enforcement officials can rarely recover and return objects that have not been photographed and adequately described.

Object ID is an international standard developed by museums, police, customs and insurance agencies, and appraisers of art and antiques, which outlines the minimum information needed to identify stolen art objects. The Object ID checklist helps art professionals thoroughly describe works of art by such parameters as the object's materials, measurements, distinguishing features, and maker, among other important classifications.

Introduction to Object ID gives a brief history of the international development of the standard and guidelines for describing cultural objects. It also provides advice on photographing art, antiques and antiquities, including choosing viewpoints, creating backgrounds, and positioning lighting to achieve the best results.

Robin Thornes is an architectural historian and a specialist in the field of documentation standards. He is the author of Protecting Cultural Objects in the Global Information Society: The Making of Object ID.

This title is out of print. Please look for it at your local libraries and/or used bookstores.