Art is an integral part of our culture and history. It tells stories, evokes emotions, and captures moments in time. When writing an academic paper or research article, it is important to properly cite any artwork that is referenced. In this article, we will discuss how to cite art in Chicago style, a commonly used citation style in the humanities.

What is Chicago Style?

Chicago style is a citation style used in the humanities, including history, literature, and the arts. It is known for its use of footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography at the end of the document. Chicago style has two variations: the notes and bibliography system and the author-date system. The notes and bibliography system is often used in the humanities, while the author-date system is more commonly used in the social sciences.

Citing Art in Chicago Style

When citing art in Chicago style, the citation should include the artist’s name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the medium, and the location of the artwork. If the artwork is part of a larger collection, the citation should also include the collection’s name and location. Here is an example of how to cite a painting in Chicago style: Footnote/Endnote: 1. Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889, oil on canvas, Museum of Modern Art, New York. Bibliography: van Gogh, Vincent. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about citing art in Chicago style:

• What if the artwork doesn’t have a title?
• If the artwork doesn’t have a title, describe it in as much detail as possible in the citation.
• Do I need to include the artist’s birth and death dates?
• No, it is not necessary to include the artist’s birth and death dates in the citation.
• What if I am citing a photograph of the artwork?
• If you are citing a photograph of the artwork, include the photographer’s name and the date the photograph was taken in the citation.
• How do I cite a sculpture?
• When citing a sculpture, include the artist’s name, the title of the sculpture, the date it was created, the medium, and the location of the sculpture.
• What if the artwork is in a private collection?
• If the artwork is in a private collection, include the name of the collector and their location in the citation.

Conclusion

Citing art in Chicago style is an important part of academic writing in the humanities. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and complete. Remember to always double-check your citations and consult a style guide or your instructor if you have any questions. Happy citing!