In the field of art publishing one of the most remarkable developments has been the prominence of the exhibition catalogue. At one time exhibitions were accompanied by pamphlets that were little more than a checklist of works in the exhibition. The covers, if any, were plain and there were no illustrations. Current blockbuster exhibitions may have an attendance in the six figures and many of these visitors will purchase a catalogue. Publishers and museum personnel welcome a venture for which much of the work has already been done and perhaps some expenses defrayed by governments and sponsors.
Scholars appreciate the timeliness of publishing research in a current catalogue.
Exhibitions offer an opportunity to rethink subjects in a spirit of collaborative goodwill. Artworks that otherwise would remain in storage are often examined in a new light. Scholarly work published in exhibition catalogues has a significance that goes beyond the temporary event of the exhibition. Catalogues frequently include statements by artists and can be regarded as primary documents. A catalogue is often the first publication of an artist's work.