Monet, Claude. Water Lilies . 1906, oil on canvas. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. In-Text Citation Art History: Cite Your Sources
The Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography) is frequently preferred for art history because it allows for detailed footnotes. Bibliography Example
In art history, you must cite ideas, interpretations, and direct quotes derived from secondary sources, not just the artwork itself. Failing to do so implies that interpretations are your own, which is plagiarism. A principle is to cite early and often , particularly when discussing the provenance (history of ownership) or specialized analysis of an piece. Key Components to Gather
Monet, Claude. Water Lilies . 1906. Oil on canvas, 89.9 × 94.1 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Footnote/Endnote Example
Claude Monet, Water Lilies , 1906, oil on canvas, 89.9 × 94.1 cm, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.
(Where you saw it: book, museum website, or in-person) 2. Chicago Style: The Art Historian’s Choice