The Scent of a Cardboard Box

Abstract

This article focuses on the registrar’s ongoing work in establishing a digital catalogue raisonné on the Danish artist Poul Gernes (1925-96). The article describes the process involved in this undertaking and reflects on the various challenges and choices that had to be considered. In a career lasting over six decades, Gernes created a monumental body of works, most of which are neither dated nor signed, as well as more than 160 public decorations. Gernes’ œuvre raises questions regarding authorship, authentication, and legislation, as well as issues pertaining to the chosen approach as a work-in-progress publication. The method adopted in this article is rather atypical in that consideration is given to some intangible, more personal factors, such as working with first-generation heirs.