# Artsy MCP

> Artsy MCP connects your AI agent directly to a global art database, giving instant access to millions of artworks, artist profiles, and worldwide show schedules. You can search for specific pieces by style or movement; you can audit an artist's full biography; even track major international fairs—all without ever needing to open a web browser.

## Overview
- **Category:** content-management
- **Price:** Free
- **Tags:** art-market, galleries, artist-metadata, visual-arts, cultural-data

## Description

You don't have to browse galleries online to build deep art history reports anymore. This connector gives your agent the background intelligence of a seasoned curator, allowing it to search vast collections for specific artists or artworks by name and style. Need to know everything about Pop Art? You can request details on entire movements (genes), getting data points that explain their origins and key figures. If you're drafting an article about Impressionism, your agent handles the research; it pulls technical specs—like medium and dimensions—for individual pieces, then tracks global art shows for context. The whole process happens through natural conversation. Because Vinkius hosts this MCP within its catalog, your AI client can access all these functions from one connection point, making art intelligence part of your daily workflow.

## Tools

### get_artist_details
Fetches the full biography and metadata for a specified artist.

### get_artwork_details
Retrieves specific technical information, such as dimensions and medium, about one artwork.

### get_gene_details
Provides detailed historical context for an art movement or genre (a 'gene').

### list_artworks
Lists multiple artworks based on a general query.

### list_fairs
Gets a list of major international art trade fairs and events.

### list_genes
Lists all available art movements or categories, like Abstract or Cubism.

### list_shows
Provides a list of current and upcoming art exhibitions.

### search_artsy
Performs a broad search across the entire Artsy database for any term or subject.

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
Search for information about Andy Warhol.
```

**Response:** 
```
Searching Artsy for 'Andy Warhol'... I've found his profile (ID: andy-warhol). He was a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. I can pull his full biography or a list of his famous artworks for you.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
What is 'Impressionism' in art?
```

**Response:** 
```
Retrieving data for the 'Impressionism' movement... It originated in 19th-century France and is characterized by small, thin, yet visible brush strokes. I have a detailed description and a list of key artists like Monet and Renoir.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Show me artworks by Vincent van Gogh.
```

**Response:** 
```
Fetching artworks by Vincent van Gogh... I've identified several masterpieces including 'The Starry Night' and 'Sunflowers'. I can provide technical details like medium and dimensions for any of these.
```

## Capabilities

### Search and discover artwork
Find thousands of artworks or artists using general search criteria.

### Retrieve full artist bios
Fetch comprehensive metadata for an individual artist, including career details and locations.

### Audit art movements (genes)
Get detailed information about specific art genres or historical styles like Cubism or Baroque.

### Track shows and fairs
Access global schedules and details for major art exhibitions and international trade fairs.

### Get technical artwork specs
Pull exact dimensions, mediums, and specific descriptions for individual pieces of art.

## Use Cases

### A student needs thesis material on Pop Art.
The agent runs a query using `get_gene_details` for 'Pop Art' to understand its context. Then, it uses `list_artworks` and `get_artist_details` for Andy Warhol; the result is a fully contextualized chapter draft.

### An editor writes about art market trends.
The agent first calls `list_fairs` to identify major global events. Next, it uses `search_artsy` for recent high-value sales data points and compiles a report on current commercial activity.

### A designer needs inspiration by style.
The agent queries `list_genes` to browse available styles (e.g., Baroque). The user selects one, then uses `search_artsy` and `get_artwork_details` to pull specific examples that fit their project's aesthetic.

### A museum professional is planning a trip.
The agent checks the global schedule via `list_shows`. If they find an interesting show, they use `get_artwork_details` to preview some of the pieces on display before booking travel.

## Benefits

- Stop cross-referencing websites. By using `get_artist_details`, you can instantly pull a complete biography for any master—it's all in one place.
- Research movements faster than ever before. Instead of reading scattered articles, use `get_gene_details` to get a structured breakdown of genres like Impressionism.
- Keep your calendar full. Need to plan an exhibition route? Check global schedules and details by running `list_fairs` or `list_shows` right from your agent.
- Get the fine print on art. When you have an artwork ID, run `get_artwork_details`. You get exact dimensions, medium, and descriptions without clicking through a single gallery page.
- Start with a broad search, then narrow it down. Use `search_artsy` for general queries, which gives you enough context to decide if you need the specifics from `list_artworks`.

## How It Works

The bottom line is you tell your agent what kind of art data you need, and it handles the complex retrieval process using its built-in tools.

1. Subscribe to this MCP in your Vinkius catalog.
2. Enter your Artsy Client ID and Secret into the connection settings for your AI client.
3. Instruct your agent to perform an art query, such as listing artworks or getting artist details.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How do I find out what genres of art exist? (list_genes)**
Use `list_genes`. It provides a list of every recognized art movement, like Impressionism or Abstract. From that list, you can then use `get_gene_details` for deeper historical context.

**What is the best way to search for an artist's work? (search_artsy)**
The most effective starting point is `search_artsy`. This tool allows you to cast a wide net, giving initial results. You can then refine that search by calling `get_artist_details` once you have the name.

**Do I need separate tools for shows and fairs? (list_shows/list_fairs)**
Yes, they are separate. Use `list_shows` to check specific exhibitions at a museum, but use `list_fairs` if you want to track major international trade events.

**Can I get details on an artist and their work in one query? (get_artist_details/get_artwork_details)**
While the tools are separate, your agent can orchestrate them. You first call `get_artist_details` to understand the creator, then you use `get_artwork_details` on a specific ID to pull up the work's technical specifications.

**How do I authenticate my agent to use search_artsy?**
You must first subscribe to the MCP and provide your Artsy Client ID and Secret Key in Vinkius. Your agent handles authentication automatically, allowing you to run tools like `search_artsy` immediately.

**What happens if I run list_artworks too many times?**
The MCP enforces standard throttling mechanisms for high traffic volumes. If your query rate exceeds the allowed limit, your agent will receive a clear error code and pause execution until the predefined time window resets.

**When I use get_artwork_details, what physical data points are included?**
The function returns precise metadata including dimensions (height x width), medium, and detailed descriptions. The structured output provides these technical specifications for every piece you query.

**How do I get a broad inventory using list_artworks?**
The `list_artworks` tool pulls a comprehensive catalog of pieces based on filters you provide. It functions as an initial, wide-scope scan, giving you many candidates to narrow down later with specific tools.

**How do I find information about a specific art movement like Cubism?**
Use the `search_artsy` tool with 'Cubism' and set the `type` to 'gene'. This will retrieve the specific entry for that art movement, including descriptions and related artworks.

**Can I search for artworks by a specific artist?**
Yes! Use the `search_artsy` tool with the artist's name. You can then use the `get_artist_details` tool with their ID to see their full profile and explore their body of work.

**Is information about current art shows available?**
Absolutely. Use the `list_shows` tool to retrieve a list of current and upcoming art shows globally, including their locations and participating artists.