Database of the Month: Oxford Art Online

Oxford Art Online is a comprehensive art research database comprising encyclopedias, dictionaries, images, and articles written by art history and research experts. The database contains more than 1,500 thumbnail art images, with links to searchable image databases and art images on museum and gallery web sites around the world. Users can find information about:

• Art forms
• Creators and biographical information
• Geographical regions
• Styles and art movements
• Time periods

Browsing

Users may view a full alphabetical listing of all available articles and images by choosing All Content from the browse bar at the top of the home page. Select Biographies, Subject Entries, or Images to browse specific types of content.

Searching 

A basic search box for keyword searching is provided at the top of the page. Users can also take advantage of the database's Advanced Search capabilities, including specifying category searches such as time period, art style or geography. Advanced Search indexes for images, biographies, and bibliographies enable users to narrow searches to particular types of materials. Users can also refer to Subject Guides that compile available database content for specific topics. Selected topics are shown below.

Save Your Searches

Search results can be printed and/or emailed for later use. In addition, the database provides copy-and-paste citations in MLA and Chicago formats, and citation export to RefWorks or other bibliographic management software.

Get Database Help

Online Guided Tours (video guides) and tips for searching/browsing are provided. In addition, a full help document may be viewed and/or printed.

Connect to the Database

Please visit our Databases A-Z page and click Oxford Art Online to begin your search.

Database of the Month provides a very brief introduction to a useful website or Library database, highlighting key features you should know about. If you would like more information about this resource (or any of the library’s databases), please contact us for research assistance. If you would like a demonstration of this resource for a class, please schedule a research instruction class using the instruction request form.