How to Cite Artwork
Learn how to properly cite paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other visual art in APA format.
Basic Format
Artist, A. A. (Year). Title of artwork [Medium]. Museum/Institution, Location. URL
Artist, A. A. (Year). Title of artwork [Description of form]. Museum/Institution. URL
Examples
Museum Artwork
van Gogh, V. (1889). The Starry Night [Oil on canvas]. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/79802
Digital Artwork
Smith, J. (2023). Digital Landscape #4 [Digital illustration]. DeviantArt. https://www.deviantart.com/artist/artwork
Photograph
Adams, A. (1941). Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico [Photograph]. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, CA.
Key Elements
Artist Information
- Use full artist name
- Include multiple artists
- Note anonymous works
- Add artist nationality if relevant
Artwork Details
- Specify medium or technique
- Include dimensions if relevant
- Note series information
- Add creation date range
Location Information
- Include museum/gallery name
- Specify physical location
- Add collection details
- Note permanent/temporary status
Artwork Types
Traditional Art
- Paintings
- Sculptures
- Drawings
- Prints
Digital Art
- Digital paintings
- Computer graphics
- 3D renderings
- Digital installations
Special Cases
Additional Guidelines
- For installations, note exhibition dates
- Include restoration information if relevant
- Specify edition number for prints
- Note commissioned works
In-Text Citations
First Citation
Use the artist name and year:
In van Gogh's (1889) The Starry Night...
Subsequent Citations
Use parenthetical citation:
The painting (van Gogh, 1889) demonstrates...
Copyright and Permissions
- Note copyright status
- Include permission information
- Add license details
- Specify usage rights
- Include image credits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't omit medium or technique
- Don't forget location information
- Don't use informal artwork titles
- Don't ignore copyright requirements
- Don't mix citation formats