Writing and Research in Art History

Citations, Style and Bibliography

Sample Essay: Citation Practices, Style, Bibliographic Forms, and Caption Format

We have created a fictional excerpt from a fictional essay in order to demonstrate correct writing and citation format. The sources exist but they do not necessarily include the information cited. Please read the essay carefully to note how the author uses notes, to appreciate the correct format in which sources are cited in notes and the bibliography, and to notice correct illustration caption format.

Please consult the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th or 16th ed., and use the notes and bibliography system.

SUBSEQUENT CITATIONS: Use the Chicago Quick Guide the first time you reference a source, but for subsequent citations of that source, use the short form. Examples below.

Book, one author:

2. Doniger, Splitting the Difference, 67.

Chapter or other part of a book:

6. Wiese, "'The House I Live In,'" 103.

Article in a print journal:

9. Smith, "The Origin of Altruism," 635.

Directions given in class or on assignments sheets supersede those given here—when in doubt, ask your instructor.

Essay with commentary on text, notes, and captions.
Bibliography with commentary.