How to Cite a Painting in-Text: A Multi-layered Approach with MLA Style in Mind

In the academic world, citing sources accurately and consistently is paramount, especially when discussing visual arts like paintings. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide provides a standardized format for citing various types of sources, including paintings. Here’s how to accurately cite a painting in-text while adhering to MLA guidelines:

Understanding MLA Style for In-Text Citations

In MLA style, in-text citations are designed to provide readers with concise information about the source being referenced. For paintings, this means providing the artist’s name and the title of the painting, along with any pertinent details like the collection or location where the painting is housed.

Formatting the In-Text Citation

When citing a painting within your text, follow this basic format:

1. Include the artist’s name. If the artist’s name is part of a standard convention or familiar within your field (e.g., “Van Gogh”), it can be shortened for clarity in your text (e.g., “Van Gogh’s Starry Night.”)
2. Include the title of the painting, with the first word capitalized and subsequent words capitalized only if they are significant or have a special meaning within the context of the painting’s discussion (e.g., “The Green Hope by Hans Upcyk”). If no official title is known or commonly recognized, you can simply mention the painting as it appears on display or in a publication.
3. If possible, include the collection or museum where the painting is located or where it was exhibited, as well as any identifying numbers or codes assigned to it (e.g., accession number or inventory number).
4. If citing from a published source, include the publication details such as the publication date and edition information if relevant. For online sources, specify the website name and provide a URL if possible (be sure to update dead links with a current source or use Live Web archiving methods).

Examples of In-Text Painting Citations

Here are some examples to illustrate how this would look in practice:

• “As seen in Van Gogh’s Starry Night, the use of color and brushwork captures the essence of night sky.” (Artist’s name + title of painting)
• “The intricate details in The Green Hope by Hans Upcyk, exhibited at the National Gallery of Art, reflect his artistic mastery.” (Artist’s name + title of painting + location)
• “According to its inventory number at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mona Lisa’s portrait reveals subtle nuances in its brushwork.” (Title of painting + identifying information)

Considerations for Painting Citations

When citing paintings, it’s important to consider their unique characteristics and context. Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Be accurate about citing sources, as plagiarism and incorrect attribution are common pitfalls to avoid. Verify information through reliable sources before citing a painting in your work.
• Use language that is both descriptive and specific when discussing paintings to help readers understand their significance and role in context. Avoid ambiguity about artist name and paint type details when possible. Always follow your academic institution’s guidelines for proper citation practices to ensure adherence to standards.
• Consider whether citing specific paintings will add value to your argument or discussion as not all paintings may be equally relevant to your research topic or discussion point within an academic paper.* Remember that the level of specificity about citations might change based on what your project or course requires – so be prepared to adjust your citations accordingly as needs evolve.​​​

Related Q&A:
Q: What if I am quoting directly from a scholarly article about a painting?
A: In that case, you would follow standard MLA format for quoting sources within your text and provide page numbers if possible.
Q: What if I am citing an online artwork that does not have an official title?
A: In such cases, you could mention how it appears online and include a screenshot if relevant or provide a descriptive title yourself in your citation.
Q: What about citing paintings in my research paper’s Works Cited page?
A: On the Works Cited page, you would provide full details about each painting including artist name, title of painting, publication details (if relevant), museum or collection details, etc., following MLA style standards closely for formatting citations accurately​​​​​​​​​ .