APA Citation Guide

How to cite Artworks in APA Style

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Citing artwork

Keep in mind that the citation of an original work of art differs significantly from an image from a secondary source, such as a book or website.

When citing artwork, you are required to provide the artist’s name, the title of the artwork and the date of composition. You are also required to cite the gallery or museum that houses the artwork followed by the location of that institution.

APA Artwork citation format:

Last Name, Initial. (Year). Title [Medium]. Museum, City, Country.

Examples:

  • Da Vinci, L. (1503). Mona Lisa [Painting]. Louvre Museum, Paris, France.
  • Pollock, J. (1946). Eyes in the Heat [Painting]. Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, Italy.
  • Michelangelo (1504). David [Sculpture] Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence, Italy.

In addition to the traditional referencing list entry, it’s a good idea to include a picture of the work. You can do this in the bibliography or directly in the text.