Art History: Researching Art

• Examine the work of art carefully and describe what is depicted.
• Check specialized dictionaries to locate information on the subject.
• Consult all types of reference material, exhibition catalogues and any 
  pertinent web sites to learn more about the subject and symbols
• Read the literature from which the story or symbols might have derived.
• Learn as much about the artist as possible.
• Formulate a record of the work and place it within its art historical  period.
•  Compile a reading list on the social history of the period

• What country are they from? 
• In what period did your artist work?
• Were they part of an artistic movement?
• What media are you searching?

World Painting Index REF ND 45 H38 1977

The World's Master Paintings Q REF ND 40 W75 1992

ARTstor Image Database

• art history survey books (look in N 5300)
• dictionaries and encyclopedias
• comprehensive bibliographies
• exhibition catalogues
• museum/galleries collections (catalogues and online)
• academic journals - print and online
• web - museums, art departmenrts, art associations