How to do research in Art History and Visual Arts


Library resources for researchers working on art and architectural history, contemporary art, and visual culture

START WITH GOOD KEYWORDS

Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like Google, Google Scholar, HOLLIS, or Academic Search Premier. 

Add keywords like these to your search:

  • Photography
  • Exhibition
  • Renaissance or Cubism, etc.

UPGRADE YOUR SEARCH: KEY DATABASES

The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:

Art Full Text (via HarvardKey) – An easy to use database for scholarship in art history and related fields. Search tip: Use Try Harvard Library links for more access options. Includes material as far back as 1977 to the present.

ArtStor (via HarvardKey) – A large digital image library covering arts and culture 

Dig Deeper

Our History of Art & Architecture research guide provides a helpful overview of specialized resources, primary and secondary, in print and online, at Harvard and beyond. 

Databases in Arts & Architecture- explore the full list of Harvard Library databases in this subject category.

 

CONNECT WITH US 

Jessica Evans Brady, the library liaison for art and architectural history, is available to support researchers via email or in-person consultation.

RELATED FAQS

How to do research in Architecture and Design

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