In the 20c (3500) file, the third line reflects the medium and date, but not the subject matter, because subject matter in 20c art is not as obvious and clear-cut. Many modern works also do not have titles.
 
 

20c THIRD-LINE codes:  Date only (no code) = Painting  D + Date = Drawing  P + Date = Prints  Q + Date = Photography  R + Date = Motion Media  S + Date = Sculpture  T-Z + Date = Decorative Arts    T = General, Interior Design, Architectural    V = Furniture, Lamps, Boxes, Mirrors, Clocks, Appliances, etc.    W = Ceramics, Glass, Vessels, Tile, Stained Glass, etc.    X = Metal, Precious Materials, Jewelry, Ivory, Silverware    Y = Textiles, Clothing (except Costumes)    Z = Theater, Costumes, Posters, Books, Magazines, Wallpaper, other paper products, etc.

Wheelchair Access Ramp toward Lobby

20c.MATISSE,HENRI.            3500
Harmony in Red(Red Room)    M433
1980-9.Canvas.                       1909
LENINGRAD,HERMITAGE.

3500 = 20c File, all Media except Architecture

SECOND-LINE:

M433 = Artist's "Cutter" Number to file alphabetically (M433=Matisse)
 

THIRD-LINE:

1909 = Medium and Date of Work, to file chronologically
 

The THIRD LINE can also identifies collateral material, studies, comparatives, etc.:
 

[a] = material related to artist (i.e. photo of artist in the studio)

$ = study related to work of art

< = comparative material (i.e. African Art in Picasso)

20c MATISSE,HENRI.          3500
Two Negresses.1908.           M433
cf:Photo of Two Black           S1908<
Girls,Clipped by Matisse.

FIRST-LINE:

3500 = 20c file

SECOND-LINE:

M433 = Cutter number, M433 = Matisse

THIRD-LINE:

S1908< = Medium and date (sculpture, 1908, files chronologically); < = comparative material

[a] = material related to the artist (photograph of the artist)

Updated 7/13/98