How to Cite Art in MLA Style: A Guide with Insights

In the academic world, citing art pieces with precision and clarity is an essential skill. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in various fields, including art history and criticism, for its strict guidelines in document formatting and citation practices. Accurately citing art pieces can be complex, encompassing multiple elements like author information, artwork details, publication history, and exhibition locations. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do so effectively in MLA format.

Understanding MLA Style for Art Citations

The MLA style requires citing art pieces in a specific format that includes all pertinent information about the artwork. It’s crucial to acknowledge the author or creator of the piece and provide details about the work itself, such as the title, date of production, medium, and dimensions (if applicable).

Steps for Citing Art in MLA Style

1. Author/Creator Information: Start with the artist’s name in the last name, first name format. If the artist is known by a pen name or a title like “Master” or “Sir,” use that instead of their actual name.
2. Artwork Details: Clearly indicate the title of the artwork and provide any relevant details about its form—painting, sculpture, print, etc. Also, include the date of production or creation if known.
3. Publication or Exhibition Information: If the artwork was published in a book or magazine or exhibited in a particular exhibition, provide the publication name or exhibition title, along with its year.
4. Other Relevant Information: Add any other pertinent details like the medium used (oil on canvas, acrylic on paper, etc.), dimensions (if applicable), and any unique identifiers like a catalog number or URL (if the artwork is online).

Example of an MLA Art Citation

Smith, John Doe. “Golden Age Portrait.” Oil on canvas, dimensions: 30 x 40 inches. Published in “Masterpieces of Art History” Exhibition Catalog (2023): Exhibition No. 15.

Tips for Citing Art Effectively in MLA Style

• Always verify the accuracy of the information you are citing from reliable sources like museum records or official exhibition catalogs.
• If there is no publication or exhibition information available, you can provide alternative sources like personal interviews with artists or art dealers.
• For online artworks, include the URL and specify if it is from a gallery website or a blog post, with its exact date of publication if available.
• When citing a collective work or multi-artist exhibition with numerous art pieces, consider including more general information about the collection or exhibition with specific details about the artwork you are citing within it.

Conclusion

Properly citing art in MLA style is essential for academic writing in art history and criticism. Understanding the MLA guidelines and following them meticulously can help present your research accurately and professionally. With practice and attention to detail, you can master this skill and enhance your writing capabilities in academic circles.

Related Q&A:
Q: What are the key elements in citing an artwork in MLA style?
A: The key elements include author/creator information, artwork details (title, date, medium), publication or exhibition information, and other relevant details like dimensions or unique identifiers.
Q: Should I include the medium used in the citation?
A: Yes, it is essential to specify the medium (e.g., oil on canvas, acrylic on paper) in your art citation to give readers accurate information about the artwork’s execution.
Q: How do I cite an online artwork in MLA style?
A: For online artworks, include the URL and specify if it is from a gallery website or a blog post. Also, provide its exact date of publication if available.