Getting Started
This research guide is divided into two sections. One section presents online and printed bibliographies, indexes, and other reference works and surveys organized according to subject or artistic medium (e.g. Architecture; Arts of the Book; Ceramics; Metalwork; Museums and Collections, etc.). A separate section presents research tools organized according to geographic or cultural region (e.g. works on the art and architecture of Central Asia; South Asia; Iran; Egypt; Islamic Spain, etc.). Many of the reference works listed here are in the Fine Arts Library, shelved in the reading room [RFA call nos.] or in the stacks [FAL-LC, FA, and Fogg call nos.].
Start Here! Digital Resources
- Grove Art OnlineGrove Art Online is today's foremost scholarly art encyclopedia covering all aspects of Western and non-Western visual art. Each year, new articles are added to enhance the coverage of significant areas of the visual arts with the participation of more than 1,000 international art historians. All new content continues to be written and peer reviewed by scholars and specialists.
For Islamic Art resources, sort by field using the tab in the top left corner of the homepage.
- ArchNetArchnet is an Open Access, intellectual resource focused on architecture, urbanism, environmental and landscape design, conservation issues, visual and material cultures, and other topics related to the built environment. With a focus on societies in which Muslims are or have been a significant cultural presence, Archnet’s mission is to provide ready access to quality, unique texts and media that facilitate excellence in teaching, scholarship, and professional work.
- HOLLIS ImagesHOLLIS Images is the Harvard Library's dedicated image catalog. It includes content from archives, museums, libraries, and other collections throughout Harvard University. Access to the catalog is open to the general public.
- Art Full TextArt Full Text is a bibliographic database that indexes and abstracts articles from art and architecture periodicals published throughout the world. Full-text coverage for selected periodicals is also included. In addition to articles, Art Full Text indexes reproductions of works of art that appear in indexed periodicals.
- Khamseen: Islamic Art History OnlineA free and open-access online platform of digital resources to aid the teaching of Islamic art, architecture, and visual culture.