Skip to Main Content

Christianity and the Visual Arts

This research guide provides library materials and research pathways to examining the connection between visual art and theology. Each page is designed as a starting point for further exploration.

Using and Citing Images

The purpose of this section is to demonstrate how we can use images legally. Images can be used for papers, books, presentations, theses, sermons, etc. They are an excellent tool, and after all, a picture is worth a thousand words! (Not toward your thesis minimum)

Generally speaking, art is typically cited like this: Title of work, Artist, Year. Location. All images used in this guide are cited in this manner for your reference.

Public Domain & Creative Commons

Images go into the public domain by meeting an allotted time minimum or by forfeiture. These images are free to use, either modified or as is. Unless an image is explicitly listed as public domain, you should always assume it is not.  

Creative Commons License

Images copyrighted under Creative Commons (CC) are not public domain but do not require special permissions for use. These must be used with specific parameters and caveats. The six types of CCs and their attribute can be found here.

Image Databases

These are links to a variety of databases where images are free to use. Additionally, almost all museums have a webpage with Open Access images of what is in their collection. 

Citing Images