Art and Architecture Collection > Art History: A Research Guide

Using the Library’s Catalog

Searching CATNYP by subject heading can yield pertinent titles. The Library of Congress Subject Headings can be consulted for the appropriate entries, and cross-references appear during online searching.

General subject headings for art history are as follows:

Art—History

Art—History—18th century—Pictorial works

Art—History and criticism

Art—Themes, motives

Art Literature

Artists—United States—Biography

Works about artists can be accessed by using the artist’s name as a subject and as an author. Subdivisions are made for artists that include categories for biography, catalogue raisonné, and exhibition catalogues, among others:

Manet, Edouard, 1832-1883

Manet, Edouard, 1832-1883--Exhibitions

Newman, Barnett, 1905-1970—Catalogues raisonnés

Other ways of searching for art historical topics include searching by stylistic period, media, or subject matter:

Abstract Expressionism

Angels in art

Iconography

Painting, Russian

Painting, Russian—20th century--Exhibitions

Primitivism in art

Sculpture, Modern

Symbolism in art--Dictionaries

Keyword searching can be helpful, as long as broad terms are not used. Limit keyword searches to specific words that are as unique as possible to the search topic. Advanced word searching can help locate titles published within a specific range of years.