# Wildenstein Institute

> formerly French art institute that published catalogues raisonnés and scholarly inventories.

**Wikidata**: [Q3568152](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3568152)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildenstein_Institute)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wildenstein-institute

## Summary
The Wildenstein Institute was a French research institute and publishing house located in Paris, dedicated to the study of art history. Founded in 1970 by Daniel Wildenstein, it was renowned for publishing scholarly inventories and catalogues raisonnés until it was replaced by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1970 by Daniel Wildenstein.
- **Location:** Hôtel de Wailly, 57 rue La Boétie, 8th arrondissement of Paris, France.
- **Coordinates:** 48.8731°N, 2.3127°E.
- **Type of Organization:** Research institute and publishing house.
- **Primary Subject:** Art history.
- **Parent Organization:** Wildenstein & Company.
- **Notable Contribution:** The Wildenstein Index Number.
- **Status:** Formerly active; replaced by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute.
- **Identifiers:** ISNI 0000000121819734, VIAF 149329712.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the Wildenstein Institute?
A: The institute functioned as a research organization and publishing house focused on art history. It produced scholarly inventories and catalogues raisonnés to document and authenticate works of art.

### Q: Where was the Wildenstein Institute located?
A: The institute was based in Paris, France, specifically at the Hôtel de Wailly, located at 57 rue La Boétie in the 8th arrondissement.

### Q: Did the Wildenstein Institute change its name or status?
A: Yes, the entity is listed as a "formerly" active institute. It was eventually replaced by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute.

## Why It Matters
The Wildenstein Institute served as a critical pillar in the field of art historical research and authentication. As a research body connected to the Wildenstein & Company art dynasty, it held significant influence in defining the oeuvre of major artists through the publication of catalogues raisonnés—comprehensive, annotated lists of an artist's works. These publications are essential tools for scholars, collectors, and museums, serving as the definitive references for establishing authenticity and provenance.

The institute's work on the **Wildenstein Index Number** provided a systematic method for identifying and tracking artworks, further cementing its role in standardizing art historical data. Although the original institute has since been replaced by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, its legacy endures through its extensive archives and publications, which remain vital resources for understanding the history of art. Its location in Paris at the Hôtel de Wailly also placed it at the geographical heart of the Western art world.

## Notable For
- **Catalogues Raisonnés:** Publishing definitive scholarly inventories and catalogues that set the standard for art historical documentation.
- **Wildenstein Index Number:** Creating a widely recognized indexing system for identifying artworks.
- **Scholarly Authority:** Acting as a primary authority on attribution and provenance under the leadership of Daniel Wildenstein.
- **Historic Location:** Operating out of the Hôtel de Wailly on rue La Boétie in Paris.
- **Lineage:** Being the research arm of the historic Wildenstein & Company art dealing family.

## Body

### Foundation and Mission
The Wildenstein Institute was established in **1970** by **Daniel Wildenstein**, a prominent art dealer and scholar. It operated as a subsidiary or related body to **Wildenstein & Company**, the historic art gallery. Classified as both a **research institute** and a **publishing house**, its core mission was the advancement of **art history** through rigorous research and publication.

### Location
The institute was physically situated in the **8th arrondissement of Paris**. Specifically, it was housed at **57 rue La Boétie**, within the **Hôtel de Wailly**. The geographic coordinates for the location are **48.8731 latitude and 2.3127 longitude**.

### Activities and Output
The institute specialized in producing **catalogues raisonnés** and **scholarly inventories**. These works represent the definitive compilation of an artist's body of work. A significant technical contribution attributed to the institute is the **Wildenstein Index Number**, a system used to organize and reference specific pieces of art within their vast documentation.

### Succession
The Wildenstein Institute is currently listed as a "formerly" active entity. It has been **replaced by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute**, which continues the legacy of art historical research and digital documentation originally established by the Wildenstein family.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Prominent French Families Battle Over a Missing Monet. Prominent French Families Battle Over a Missing Monet. 2012](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/arts/design/prominent-french-families-battle-over-a-missing-monet.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me)
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File