When citing artworks in MLA format, it’s essential to provide accurate and detailed information about the piece, including the artist’s name, title of the work, medium, and other relevant details. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you cite artworks in MLA format:
Basic Citation Structure:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Artwork. Medium, Date of Creation. Institution or Location of Work.
Example:
Monet, Claude. Impression, Sunrise. Oil on canvas, 1872. Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris.
Citation Elements:
- Artist’s Name: List the artist’s last name, followed by their first name.
- Title of Artwork: Italicize the title of the artwork, and capitalize the first word and any proper nouns.
- Medium: Specify the medium used to create the artwork (e.g., oil on canvas, sculpture, photography).
- Date of Creation: Provide the date the artwork was created, if known.
- Institution or Location: Include the institution or location where the artwork is housed, if applicable.
Variations and Special Cases:
- Untitled Works: If the artwork is untitled, use the descriptive phrase “untilted” in the title position, or provide a brief description of the work in parentheses.
- Anonymous Artists: If the artist is unknown, begin the citation with the title of the artwork.
- Multiple Artists: Separate the artists’ names with “and” (e.g., “Monet, Claude, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir”).
- Artworks with Multiple Titles: Use the most commonly used title, or provide both titles separated by “or” (e.g., “The Starry Night or La nuit étoilée”).
- Artworks with Multiple Dates: Provide the range of dates (e.g., “1920-1925”) or the specific date, if known.
Citing Specific Types of Art:
- Paintings: Monet, Claude. Impression, Sunrise. Oil on canvas, 1872. Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris.
- Sculptures: Rodin, Auguste. The Thinker. Bronze, 1880. Musée Rodin, Paris.
- Photographs: Adams, Ansel. Moon and Hills. Gelatin silver print, 1942. Center for Creative Photography, Tucson.
- Installations: Kusama, Yayoi. Infinity Mirror Room. Mixed media, 2015. The Broad, Los Angeles.
- Digital Art:弟o, Takashi. My Pillow. Digital art, 2019. Online.
In-Text Citations:
When referencing the artwork in your text, use the artist’s last name and the title of the artwork in parentheses, separated by a comma (e.g., “(Monet, Impression, Sunrise)”). If you mention the artist’s name in the sentence, you only need to include the title of the artwork in parentheses (e.g., “Monet’s Impression, Sunrise”).
Works Cited Page:
Include the citation for the artwork on your Works Cited page, following the basic citation structure and elements outlined above.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to accurately cite artworks in MLA format, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to academic integrity.
FAQ Section:
How do I cite an artwork with multiple titles?
+You can use the most commonly used title, or provide both titles separated by "or" (e.g., "*The Starry Night* or *La nuit étoilée*").
What if the artist is unknown?
+If the artist is unknown, begin the citation with the title of the artwork.
How do I cite a digital artwork?
+Include the artist's name, title of the artwork, medium (digital art), and date of creation, as well as the online platform or website where the artwork is hosted.
Remember to consult the MLA Handbook or online resources for the most up-to-date guidance on citing artworks in MLA format.
