A Living Investigation
Art Revisionist is not a finished book. It is a living investigation—a research initiative that grows, refines, and sometimes revises its conclusions as new evidence comes to light. What you read on this site represents our best understanding at this moment, based on the archival records, civil documents, and material evidence we have gathered so far.
We believe this transparency is essential to honest scholarship.
Why We Publish Before the Story is Complete
Traditional academic publishing follows a familiar cycle: research in silence, publish once, defend forever. But the subjects we investigate—historical misattributions in art and material culture—have real consequences now. Auction houses sell bronzes under incorrect attributions today. Museums display Senufo artifacts with inaccurate labels today. Collectors make purchase decisions based on myths that have circulated unchallenged for decades.
We choose to share our findings as they develop, rather than waiting for a final, definitive account that may take years to complete. This means that some articles may be updated, expanded, or even corrected as our research advances.
What This Means for You
When you read an article on Art Revisionist, you are reading the most current version of our findings. Here is what you can expect:
- All claims are sourced. Every assertion we make is grounded in verifiable archival, civil, or industrial records. Where evidence is incomplete, we say so.
- Articles may be updated. As new documents surface or existing evidence is reinterpreted, we revise our articles to reflect the most accurate understanding available.
- Conclusions are presented honestly. Where our findings are definitive, we state them with confidence. Where they remain provisional, we indicate the degree of certainty and invite further inquiry.
- Corrections are welcomed. If you possess evidence that contradicts or supplements our findings, we want to hear from you. Accuracy is more important to us than being right.
Our Current Research
Art Revisionist is currently focused on two primary investigations, each at different stages of development:
The Valsuani Foundry
Our investigation into the Valsuani foundry has revealed significant discrepancies between widely repeated narratives and the archival record. Through death certificates, civil registrations, and industrial documentation, we have established that key figures in the Valsuani story have been misidentified or entirely fabricated in art historical literature. This research is ongoing, with new primary source documents continuing to surface.
The Senufo Hornbill
Our study of Senufo hornbill sculptures examines the cultural, ritual, and material history of these extraordinary objects—and the systematic misattributions that have followed them from West Africa into the global art market. We are working to document the living traditions behind these works and to correct the colonial-era assumptions that continue to shape their interpretation.
The Principle Behind the Practice
We hold that historical truth is not a destination but a process. Every archive opened, every document translated, every oral history recorded brings us closer to accuracy—but never to absolute certainty. The honest scholar acknowledges this. The honest publication reflects it.
Art Revisionist presents what we have concluded so far. We update our information as new evidence demands. We invite you to follow this journey with us—not as passive readers, but as participants in the pursuit of historical accuracy.
If you have archival evidence, primary source documents, or corrections relevant to our research, please contact us. Every contribution strengthens the historical record.