Artwork (viewed in a gallery or collection)


You may need to consult more than one section to accurately represent the source used (eg. number of authors and source descriptions)


These examples show you how to reference images that you include in your work. They are based on the Chicago Manual, sections 3.22, 3.27, 3.30 , 3.32 and 3.38. Please consult your lecturer or supervisor for specific requirements.

Images must have a caption, and a full citation in a list of figures. Give each image a figure number. You may abbreviate figure as fig. See Manual 3.23.

Format for captions

Elements, punctuation & capitalisation

Figure number. Artist, Title, year.

You may include information about the medium, dimensions and so forth. See Manual 3.22 and 3.27

Caption example

If using an official image from the institution:


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Fig.6. Gail Hastings, To make a work of timeless art, 1996.

If using an unofficial image, like your own photo of the work:


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Fig.7. Gail Hastings, To make a work of timeless art, 1996; 2014. Photographer: Ruth McConchie


Format for list of figures

Elements, punctuation & capitalisation

Figure number. Artist (surname, given name). Title, date/year. Medium, dimensions of work. Repository/Gallery/Museum, City.

List of figures example

Fig.6. Hastings, Gail. To make a work of timeless art.  1996. Synthetic polymer on wood, watercolour on paper, dimensions variable. Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

Fig.7. Hastings, Gail. To make a work of timeless art.  1996; 2014. Synthetic polymer on wood, watercolour on paper, dimensions variable. Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.


Style notes for this reference type

  • The minimum information to include in a caption for artworks is artist, title, year.
  • Titles of artworks are italicised and in headline style. See Manual 3:22
  • You may include information about the medium, dimensions and so forth. See Manual 3.22 and 3.27
  • Include a list of figures, using  bibliography format
  • Bibliography examples are based on Manual 14.235
  • If date is approximate, use ca.


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