how to cite an art piece in mla: exploring the nuances of visual arts citations

MLA Style for Art Pieces

In the realm of academic writing, citing sources is essential for acknowledging the contributions and ideas of others. When it comes to citing art pieces, particularly within the MLA (Modern Language Association) style, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure clarity and consistency in referencing. This article will delve into the intricacies of citing art pieces according to MLA rules, exploring various perspectives and practical applications.

Understanding the Basics

The Modern Language Association provides a comprehensive guide for citation styles, including those used in literature, humanities, and other fields. For art pieces, the MLA style requires the use of a concise but informative citation format. Typically, an MLA citation for an art piece includes the artist’s name, the title of the artwork, the medium, the year of creation, and the location where the piece is housed or displayed. For instance, a citation for a painting might look like this:

• [Artist’s Name]. [Title of Artwork]. [Medium], [Year of Creation], [Location].

For example:

• [Vincent van Gogh]. [Starry Night]. Oil on canvas, 1889, Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Citing Multiple Artworks

When multiple artworks by the same artist are cited, the citation can be shortened to include only the title and the medium. Additionally, if the artwork is well-known, the artist’s name may not be necessary at all. Here’s an example:

• [Starry Night]. Oil on canvas, 1889, Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Special Considerations

In cases where the artwork is from a public domain, the citation can omit the date of creation if it is already known or irrelevant. If the artwork is from a private collection or a gallery that does not have an online catalog, the citation might include the artist’s name, the title, and the medium, followed by “[Private Collection]” or “[Gallery Name]”.

Using MLA for Online Art Exhibitions

When citing art pieces from online exhibitions, it is crucial to provide the correct URL and any relevant dates or details about the exhibition. The citation should follow the same basic structure as for physical art pieces, with additional information about the online context.

Example:

• [Artist’s Name]. [Title of Artwork]. [Medium], [Date of Exhibition], [URL].

For instance:

• [Vincent van Gogh]. [Starry Night]. Oil on canvas, 1889, [Online Exhibition URL].

Practical Tips for Students

To ensure accuracy and consistency, students should always refer to the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook. Additionally, using citation management tools such as Zotero or EndNote can help streamline the process of creating citations. It is also beneficial to practice citing different types of art pieces to become familiar with the various formats and requirements.

Conclusion

Citing art pieces according to MLA guidelines is a fundamental skill for any student or scholar working in the humanities. By following these rules, one can effectively acknowledge the sources of inspiration and reference the works of other artists without infringing on intellectual property rights. Understanding the nuances of MLA citations for art pieces allows writers to engage more deeply with their subjects and contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse.

Related Questions

1. How do I cite a sculpture in MLA?

   • Sculptures should be cited similarly to paintings or drawings. Include the artist’s name, the title, the medium, the year of creation, and the location where the sculpture is housed.

2. What if the artwork is from a private collection?

   • If the artwork is from a private collection, you can still cite it using the artist’s name, title, medium, and “[Private Collection]” as the location.

3. How do I cite a digital artwork?

   • Digital artworks should be cited with the artist’s name, the title, the medium (e.g., digital print), the date, and the URL of the online exhibition or platform where the artwork is located.