This lecture explores how formal ontologies and semantic data modelling can
help art historians represent and connect complex cultural information in
ways that go beyond the structuration and mindset imposed by traditional
databases. We will examine how such approaches can support expressive and
representative research datasets that have much more capacity to capture the
complexity and nuance of the historical record while also standing as sus-
tainable resources that can be reused across projects and disciplines.

I will first reflect on the strengths and limitations of existing standards
such as the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model, now widely used in cultu-
ral heritage documentation. I will then introduce two recent ontological
frameworks: the Creative Process Representation Ontology (CPRo), which en-
ables the modelling of creative activity as it unfolds across processes,
forms into documents, is reinterpreted and performed; and the Art and
Architectural Argumentation Ontology (AAAo), which provides a way to repre-
sent social facts, conventions, and the evolving meaning and valuation of
works over time. Throughout, I will illustrate these ideas with examples
from art history, showing how they can illuminate not only objects and texts
but also the dynamics of events, collaborations, and reception. No prior
knowledge of ontologies or data modelling is assumed; the emphasis will be
on making these ideas accessible and relevant to historical research on the
arts.