How to Cite a Artwork or Image in APA 7th Edition

This guide explains how to format a artwork or image citation in APA 7th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a artwork or image in APA 7th Edition:

Template

Artist, A. A. (Year). *Title of artwork* [Medium]. Museum or Gallery, Location. URL

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Kahlo, 1939)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Kahlo, F. (1939). The two Fridas [Oil on canvas]. Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City, Mexico. https://www.museoartemoderno.com/collection/the-two-fridas

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the artist
List the artist's last name, comma, and initials. For works by unknown artists, use the title in place of the author.
2
Add the date
Place the year the artwork was created in parentheses. If the date is unknown, use (n.d.). For a date range, use (1508--1512). Follow with a period.
3
Write the artwork title and medium
Italicize the title using sentence case. Add the medium in square brackets after the title (e.g., [Oil on canvas], [Watercolor], [Bronze sculpture]). End with a period.
4
Add the museum and location
Include the name of the museum or gallery, followed by a comma, then the city and country (or city and state for U.S. locations). End with a period.
5
Include the URL if applicable
If you viewed the artwork online or in a digital archive, provide the URL at the end. Do not add a period after the URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the medium in brackets (e.g., [Oil on canvas], [Sculpture], [Photograph]).
Forgetting to include the museum or gallery name and its location.
Not italicizing the title of the artwork.
Using the date the artwork was acquired by the museum rather than the date it was created.
Omitting the URL when the artwork is viewed in a digital collection or online gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite artwork I viewed in person at a museum?

Use the same format but omit the URL. The museum name and location serve as the retrieval information: Artist, A. A. (Year). Title [Medium]. Museum, Location.

What medium description should I use in the brackets?

Use the description provided by the museum or gallery: [Oil on canvas], [Acrylic on wood], [Bronze sculpture], [Photograph], [Mixed media], [Digital illustration], etc.

How do I cite a photograph of an artwork found online?

If you are discussing the artwork itself, cite the original work and include the URL of the digital reproduction. If you are discussing the photograph as its own work, cite the photographer as the artist.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your artwork or image:

Artist
Title
Date
Medium
Museum/Collection
Location

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the artist

List the artist's last name, comma, and initials. For works by unknown artists, use the title in place of the author.

Add the date

Place the year the artwork was created in parentheses. If the date is unknown, use (n.d.). For a date range, use (1508--1512). Follow with a period.

Write the artwork title and medium

Italicize the title using sentence case. Add the medium in square brackets after the title (e.g., [Oil on canvas], [Watercolor], [Bronze sculpture]). End with a period.

Add the museum and location

Include the name of the museum or gallery, followed by a comma, then the city and country (or city and state for U.S. locations). End with a period.

Include the URL if applicable

If you viewed the artwork online or in a digital archive, provide the URL at the end. Do not add a period after the URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the medium in brackets (e.g., [Oil on canvas], [Sculpture], [Photograph]).

Forgetting to include the museum or gallery name and its location.

Not italicizing the title of the artwork.

Using the date the artwork was acquired by the museum rather than the date it was created.

Omitting the URL when the artwork is viewed in a digital collection or online gallery.