
When referring to the title of a painting, it is generally acceptable to use either quotation marks or italics to denote the title. However, the specific style may vary depending on the context and the formatting guidelines being followed. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style recommends italicizing the titles of paintings, drawings, photographs, and other works of art, while some style guides may suggest using quotation marks for titles of shorter works or when the title is appearing in isolation. Ultimately, consistency and clarity in following a chosen style are key.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether to use quotation marks or not | It depends on the style guide being followed. The general rule is that either quotation marks or italics are used, but not both. |
| Whether to use italics or not | Titles of paintings are generally italicized. |
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What You'll Learn

Quotation marks for short works
Quotation marks and italics are both used for the titles of works, but certain types of works use only one or the other. In general, short-form works like poems, songs, or short stories use quotation marks, while long-form works like books, films, or stage plays use italics. For example, the title of a short poem would be written as "The Plaza".
The AP (Associated Press) style and the Chicago style offer differing guidelines for quotation marks for titles. AP style uses quotation marks for titles of creative works like books, movies, songs, TV shows, and other compositions. Chicago style uses quotation marks for titles of shorter works, such as poems, articles, and chapters, but uses italics for books and periodical titles.
In the case of paintings, there is no definitive rule on whether to use quotation marks or italics. Some sources suggest that titles of paintings should be italicized, while others recommend using quotation marks. For example, if you are referencing a painting with a title that is quoting something else, it may be better to use quotation marks.
It is important to note that the use of quotation marks and italics can vary depending on the specific style guide or instructor requirements.
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Italics for longer works
When it comes to punctuating titles, there are a few different styles that can be used, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. While there is some variation among these styles, a general rule of thumb is to use quotation marks for shorter works and italics for longer works. This distinction can be applied when considering the titles of paintings.
Quotation marks are typically used to show speech or to indicate that a passage is being copied verbatim from another source. In terms of titles, they are commonly used for shorter works such as articles, essays, poems, songs, short stories, chapters, and sections or parts of larger works. For example, if you were referencing a specific poem within a larger collection, you would use quotation marks for the poem's title and italics for the collection's title.
On the other hand, italics are used for longer works or complete bodies of work. This includes books, movies, plays, TV shows, podcasts, music albums, periodicals (like magazines or newspapers), operas, sculptures, and legal cases, among others. So, when referring to the title of a painting, which is considered a standalone work of art, you would typically use italics. For example, when writing about Leonardo da Vinci's famous work, you would write: "The subject of the painting *Mona Lisa* is believed to be Lisa Gherardini."
It is worth noting that there may be some exceptions or variations depending on the specific style guide being followed. For instance, the APA style guide uses quotation marks for all types of works, including longer ones. However, even within APA, italics are used for specific types of titles, such as legal cases. Additionally, in certain situations, the use of quotation marks or italics may depend on the context of the sentence or the specific information being conveyed.
In summary, when referring to the title of a painting, it is generally recommended to use italics as paintings are considered complete, standalone works of art. However, it is always important to consider the specific style guide or conventions being followed in your writing.
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Quotation marks for titles within text
When including the title of a painting or other work of art within a text, there are a few standard options for how to punctuate the title. The specific style you use may depend on the style guide required by your instructor, publisher, or organization.
Italics
One common approach is to italicize the title of a painting when mentioning it in a text or note. This is consistent with the guidance provided by the Chicago Manual of Style and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) Editorial Style Guide. According to MCAD, artwork titles are italicized and do not use quotation marks: "Michael Kareken’s painting *Stripped* portrays the character of the car and the evidence of its deconstruction."
Quotation Marks
Another approach is to use quotation marks around the title of the painting. This is similar to how titles of articles are treated. For example, if you are quoting text from a plaque on a painting, using quotation marks may be more appropriate: "There's a painting of a yacht with a gold plate on the lower frame that reads 'Facets.'"
Underlining
In some cases, you may choose to underline the title of a painting. This is often used as an alternative to italics, particularly in handwritten texts or when italics are not available as a formatting option.
Consistency
Regardless of the specific style you choose, it is important to be consistent throughout your text or publication. If you decide to italicize painting titles, make sure to do so consistently for all titles. The same applies if you choose to use quotation marks or underlining.
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Italics for titles of classic art
When referring to the titles of classic artworks such as paintings and sculptures, it is generally recommended to use italics. This is consistent with the guidelines provided by the Chicago Manual of Style, which suggests italicizing and capitalizing the titles of full-length, freestanding works.
For example, when discussing Michelangelo's renowned creations, it would be appropriate to write: "Michelangelo's masterpiece, the fresco *The Last Judgement*, and the sculpture *David* are considered landmarks of the Renaissance."
Similarly, when referencing other forms of classic art, such as paintings or photographs, using italics for the titles is standard practice. For instance, if you were writing about Van Gogh's famous painting, you would italicize the title as follows: "The painting *The Starry Night* by Van Gogh captivates viewers with its swirling brushstrokes and vibrant hues."
It is worth noting that some style guides, like MLA, suggest using quotation marks for titles of shorter works or items that are part of a larger whole. For example, in certain contexts, you might use quotation marks for poem titles within a collection. However, for individual works of art, italics are generally the preferred choice.
Additionally, when it comes to citing artworks in academic or research contexts, it is always advisable to consult the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the publication you are contributing to, as there may be variations in style preferences.
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Quotation marks for plaque text
When it comes to plaque text, the use of quotation marks or italics can be a bit tricky and depends on the specific context. Let's explore this through a few paragraphs:
Paragraph 1: The Purpose of Quotation Marks and Italics
Quotation marks and italics serve different purposes in writing. Quotation marks are a type of punctuation that sets off words and passages from the rest of the text. They indicate a direct quote, dialogue, or the title of a shorter work. On the other hand, italics are used to emphasise words or phrases and are often employed for the titles of longer works, like books. When it comes to plaque text, the choice between quotation marks and italics depends on the nature of the text and the style guide being followed.
Paragraph 2: Plaque Text as a Direct Quote
If the plaque text is being directly quoted or referenced in a sentence, using quotation marks is appropriate. For example, let's say the plaque below a painting reads, "Facets." In this case, you would use quotation marks because you are directly quoting the plaque. The sentence could read, "The plaque below the painting reads, 'Facets.'" Here, the quotation marks clearly indicate that you are reproducing the exact words on the plaque.
Paragraph 3: Plaque Text as a Title
Now, let's consider the plaque text as the title of the artwork itself. In this case, the general rule is to italicise the title. So, if the official title of the painting is "Facets," you would italicise it when referring to the painting by its title. The sentence could read, "The painting 'Facets' depicts a yacht with a gold plaque." Here, the italics indicate that "Facets" is the title of the artwork.
Paragraph 4: Style Guide Considerations
It is important to note that different style guides have varying guidelines for the use of quotation marks and italics. For example, the AP (Associated Press) style uses quotation marks for the titles of creative works, while The Chicago Manual of Style recommends italicising the titles of paintings, drawings, and other works of art. When deciding whether to use quotation marks or italics, it is always a good idea to consult the relevant style guide for your specific context.
Paragraph 5: Personal Opinion and Consistency
While there are established guidelines, personal opinions and consistency are also important considerations. Some people may argue that using quotation marks or italics in certain contexts is a matter of personal preference. However, it is crucial to maintain consistency within your text or publication. Choose the style that aligns with the relevant style guide and stick to it throughout to ensure a professional and polished final product.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to use italics for titles of paintings and other works of art. However, if the title of the painting is being used within the text, quotation marks may be preferred.
Yes, the formatting may vary depending on the style guide you are using. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style recommends using italics for titles of paintings.
In that case, you may use quotation marks for the title of a painting, especially if it is mentioned within the text. However, in the reference list or bibliography, neither quotation marks nor italics are typically used.
Yes, some style guides or specific cases may require using both italics and quotation marks, especially if the title includes a phrase that is being quoted. In such cases, use quotation marks for the quoted phrase within the italicized title.















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