How to read an object

1. Look before naming

Open the ArtifactView object record and the direct Metropolitan Museum of Art record. Before reading labels, list three visible features in neutral language. A photograph can support visible-form claims, not a precise date, material or use by itself.

2. Add recorded material and scale

Read the institution fields for material and dimensions. Note how the recorded height of 29.2 cm changes your sense of the enlarged image. Write “The Met record describes leaded bronze; lost-wax cast,” rather than presenting the manufacturing method as something proved by the photograph.

3. Trace each claim

Match title, accession number, period, dimensions and rights status to the institution page. Copy a direct URL and access date. If the selected record does not establish a findspot, original owner or use, write “not recorded in the selected source.” Do not fill the gap from visual resemblance alone.

4. Build the evidence card

Object: Bodhisattva, The Met 25.217.3
I observe: [one visible feature]
The institution record states: [one sourced fact]
I infer: [a cautious interpretation]
Unresolved: [one question]
Source: [direct institution URL and access date]

Quality check

A strong card lets another reader identify which sentence is image-based, which is source-based and which is your interpretation. It records missing evidence instead of turning absence into certainty.

Evidence register
Observe	Describe material, form, marks, wear or spatial relation without assigning identity or purpose. Begin with “1. Look before naming.”
Context	Locate the record in excavation, collection, restoration and display history. Check the chain against direct Metropolitan Museum of Art record.
Infer	Begin with observable features, connect each inference to a source, and mark the point where evidence gives way to a plausible but revisable interpretation. Tie every attribution to the feature that supports it and retain competing readings.
Withhold	Do not extend “2. Add recorded material and scale” beyond the date, sample, comparison or provenance actually documented.

Evidence register

Observe

Describe material, form, marks, wear or spatial relation without assigning identity or purpose. Begin with “1. Look before naming.”

Context

Locate the record in excavation, collection, restoration and display history. Check the chain against direct Metropolitan Museum of Art record.

Infer

Begin with observable features, connect each inference to a source, and mark the point where evidence gives way to a plausible but revisable interpretation. Tie every attribution to the feature that supports it and retain competing readings.

Withhold

Do not extend “2. Add recorded material and scale” beyond the date, sample, comparison or provenance actually documented.