Art History (ART101)

• Art History (ART101)
  • Reference Sources in Chemeketa's Library
    • Dictionaries
    • Other Reference books
  • Finding books in the catalog
  • Periodical Indexes
  • Internet Sites
  • Suggestions

Reference Sources in Chemeketa's Library

Dictionaries

Specialized dictionaries can help, not only with technical terms, but also with the interpretation of symbols.

The Oxford dictionary of art [R 703.21 Ox2]

Contains many biographical entries as well as some technical terms.

*Illustrated dictionary of art terms: a handbook for the artist and art lover [R 703.21 R33]

Contains more technical terms than the Oxford dictionary, with illustrations.

Dictionary of subjects and symbols in art [R 704.94 H14]

Has few illustrations, but contains the most information about traditional scenes such as the Deposition.

The dictionary of symbols in Western art [R 704.946 C23]

Gives treatment not only of visual symbols, e.g., dice, but of persons and scenes frequently pictured, such as Gabriel. Coverage is selective.

Illustrated dictionary of symbols in eastern and western art [R 704.946 H14]

This is actually a visual dictionary, divided into thematic chapters, e.g., "Animals," with line drawings of each subject glossing the text. There is also a chapter on collectives, e.g., The Four Prophets, and an index.

Signs & symbols in Christian art. With illus. from paintings of the Renaissance [R704.9482 F38]

This book is on academic reserve - ask for it at the Circulation Desk.

The Dent dictionary of symbols in Christian art [R 704.9482 Sp3]

Includes fewer personal names, but more scenes and symbols, than the The dictionary of symbols in Western art

Other Reference books

This listing contains encyclopedias and handbooks which may be helpful.

*Dictionary of art [R 703 D56]

Despite the name, this is a 34-volume encyclopedia. The index is in the last volume. Individual works are listed in the index under the artist's name (if known).

Encyclopedia of world art [R 703 M17]

This encyclopedia includes individual works of art in the index (Vol. 17).

Encyclopedia of comparative iconography [R 704.903 En1]

Articles on themes and situations expressed in art, e.g., Light, Grieving/Lamentation, Shepherds, etc.

Oxford companion to Christian art and architecture [R 704.9482 M96]

A handbook explaining many themes and scenes

[Janson's] History art [R 709 J22]

A history with numerous illustrations and a detailed index.

Oxford companion to Western art [R 709 Ox2]

Best for named artists and for concise overviews of styles, etc.

Gothic art [R 709.02 Er5]

A history with numerous illustrations and a detailed index.

Larousse encyclopedia of Byzantine and medieval art [R 709.02 H98]

Numbers in the margin refer to the numbered illustrations.

Finding books in the catalog

Use the library catalog to find books on your subject. You may combine words together with "AND" to make your search more specific.

Fig. 1. The catalog search

You may have to do several searches to find books that might be pertinent to your subject. Try the techniques shown in the table below.

TIP: When using keywords, try truncating: baptis* finds baptism, baptist, baptists, baptistery, etc. (* is the truncation character for the catalog).

Periodical Indexes

Academic Search Premier, an EBSCOhost database, indexes articles in art journals and contains the full text of many. Access is available on the Database Page. If you are accessing the page from off campus, you will need your My Chemeketa user name and password.

You may need to combine multiple search terms to find articles on your topic. Checking off "Chemeketa Periodicals" and "Full text" is helpful, too.

TIP: When using keywords, try truncating: theor* finds theory, theories, theoretical, etc. (* is the truncation character for EBSCOhost).

If you find an article that meets your needs, look at its description for additional terms you can use to search.

Art Index, a printed index to art journals, is shelved in the library's reference section under the number REF 050 Ar7. Art Index has coverage of earlier years than most EBSCOhost databases.

Internet Sites

Useful Sites - Art - http://newterra.chemeketa.edu/library/information/useful/arts.htm

Web sites that may be useful for the study of art. Includes a link to the "Guide to Researching Art History using the Internet," a site that coordinates with the textbook, Gardner's Art through the Ages.

Search Suggestions

Here are some words to search with in combination, using those that apply to your work of art. Your textbook or your assignment may suggest others.

For further help, ask for assistance at the Reference Desk