
The description next to a painting is most commonly referred to as a label. This term is used to describe the cards or signs placed near artworks in museums and galleries. These labels provide information about the artwork, including the name of the artist, the title of the work, and other relevant details. In some cases, labels may also be called information tags, object labels, or exhibit labels, especially in museums. The labels can be displayed in various ways, such as on walls, pedestals, or the back of the artwork itself, and they may be printed on different materials like cardstock or engraved on plaques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Label, Object Label, Exhibit Label, Artwork Label, Wall Tag, Didactic Panel, Description, Information Tag, Index Plate |
| Description | Name of the artist, name of the artwork, information about the artwork, dimensions, medium, date of creation, owner/courtesy of |
| Placement | Wall, back of the artwork, on the artwork (engraved nameplates), vitrine, plinths |
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What You'll Learn

Labels
The description next to a painting is commonly referred to as a "label". In the context of art galleries and museums, these labels can be called "artwork labels", "wall labels", or simply "wall tags". They are often placed next to the artwork on gallery walls to inform viewers about the piece. The standard information included on these labels typically includes the name of the artist, their year of birth, and, if applicable, their year of death. For older artworks, the labels may be referred to as "index plates" or "index plaques", as the script is usually inscribed on wood or metal.
In some cases, the term "didactic" or "didactic panel" is used to describe these labels, conveying their instructional nature. Additionally, the term "object label" or "artifact label" is common in museums, especially when multiple objects are displayed together in a vitrine with corresponding numbers. When the label is attached directly to the artwork, it may be referred to as a "nameplate", typically including only the title of the work and the artist's name.
The physical creation of art labels can vary, with options such as custom dry transfers, which can be rubbed onto walls, or engraved fine art nameplates attached to the frame. The choice of labelling method may depend on the specific requirements of the gallery or museum, as well as the nature of the artwork being displayed.
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Artwork labels
The description next to a painting is commonly referred to as an "artwork label", "label", or "wall label". These labels are often hung next to artwork on gallery walls and are meant to inform viewers about the artwork. They are also sometimes placed on the back of artworks, with the only difference being that they usually do not include the price. The standard information included on artwork labels is the name of the artist, the title of the artwork, and the birth and death dates of the artist (or just the birth year if the artist is still alive).
Other terms used to refer to artwork labels include "information tag", "nameplate", "caption", and "description". It is worth noting that some terms, such as "wall tag", may be less preferred as they presume that the label is on the wall next to the artwork. Additionally, terms like "plinths" are used when multiple objects are arranged together in a vitrine with combined labels.
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Wall tags
The standard information included on wall tags comprises the name of the artist, the title of the artwork, and relevant details about the piece. For instance, the medium, dimensions, and date of creation are often specified. In the case of a living artist, their year of birth is mentioned, while for a deceased artist, both their birth and death years are included.
The terminology for these descriptive labels can vary across different institutions and contexts. While "wall tag" or simply "label" are commonly used terms, other names include "object label," "artifact label," "exhibit label," or "didactic panel." These labels may also be referred to as "captions" or "plaques," emphasizing their role in providing critical context and information to viewers.
The format of wall tags may differ slightly depending on the specific requirements and nature of the artwork. For instance, when affixing a label directly to the back of an artwork, the price is typically omitted. Additionally, in the case of multiple objects displayed together, the labels may be consolidated into a single larger label, incorporating numbers to correspond with each individual piece.
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Object labels
The description next to a painting is commonly referred to as an "object label" or "exhibit label", especially in art museums. These labels are meant to inform the viewer about the artwork and typically include the name of the artist, the title of the work, and other relevant information. In some cases, they may also include the birth year of the artist, or their birth and death dates if they are no longer living.
The labels may be printed on cardstock or other materials, and can be designed with different fonts and colours. Custom labels can be created using services that offer dry transfers, allowing for customization of titles, descriptions, and colours.
While "label" is considered unambiguous by some, there are various other terms used to describe these informational displays, including caption, information tag, nameplate, or simply description.
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Exhibit labels
The standard information included on exhibit labels typically comprises the name of the artist, the title of the artwork, and other relevant details about the piece. For instance, the medium used, such as acrylic and oil paint on canvas, or the dimensions of the artwork, like its height and width. This information offers insight into the materials and scale of the artwork.
In the case of a living artist, their year of birth is usually included, while for a deceased artist, both their birth and death years are provided. This chronological context aids in understanding the historical period in which the artwork was created and allows for a deeper appreciation of the artist's life and work.
Additionally, exhibit labels can incorporate engaging and informative descriptions or interpretations of the artwork. These may include historical or cultural contexts, artistic techniques employed, or the artist's intentions and influences. Such information enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the artwork, providing insights that may not be immediately apparent from visual observation alone.
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