Encyclopedias & Dictionaries

Encyclopedias and dictionaries are often the starting resource when confronting a research project. All of the titles listed below are excellent resources to consult when trying to formulate a research strategy. Most of the resources should be consulted for general background information for the era as a whole, though some resources provide excellent biographical information. These resources can be consulted at any stage in a research project and should not be overlooked.


Bénézit, E., Busse, J., Dorny, C., Murray, C. J., & Beaulah, K. (2006). Dictionary of artists. Paris: Gründ.

This resource is fully comprehensive when it comes to covering artists of the era. Entries include an informational article as well as a listing of selected works. There is also included in each entry a sampling of the artists signature. This is a good resource for basic background information.

• Location: Reference 2nd floor
• Call #: N40 .D5213 2006
• ISBN: 9782700030709
• Contains Bibliography: N/A

Bleiberg, E. (2005). Arts & humanities through the eras. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale.

This five volume set is available electronically, and as such allows for keyword searching. Of particular interest to researchers will be articles such as 'Painting in the Low Coutnries', 'Dutch Republic', and various entries on specific artists of the era. This is an excellent resource and a good starting point for any research project.

• Location: Online via Gale Virtual Reference Library
• Call #: N/A
• ISBN: 0787693847
• Contains Bibliography: N/A

Earls, I. (1996). Baroque art: A topical dictionary. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.

Many late 17th century Dutch painters are often attributed to the Baroque movement, and as such this advanced reference tool is well suited for use in research. It will not provide extensive information about critique, theory or interpretation; rather it will be used as a cross reference and clarifying tool. It is helpful when defining terminology (i.e.: 'breakfast piece' or 'still-life').

• Location: Reference 2nd floor
• Call #: N6415.B3 E18 1996
• ISBN: 0313294062
• Contains Bibliography: N/A

Myers, B. S. (1959). Encyclopedia of world art. New York: McGraw-Hill.

This is a great print resource. Look for entries on 'Flemish and Dutch Art', 'Baroque Art', and 'Golden Age'. The entries are comprehensive and offer a bounty of background information. Do not look here for in depth biographical information about a particualr artist.

• Location: Reference 2nd floor
• Call #: N31 .E533
• ISBN: 0910081
• Contains Bibliography: N/A

Oxford art online. (2008). Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press.

This online reference resource combines four powerful tools for beginning research: The Oxford Companion to Western Art , Encyclopedia of Aesthetics , The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms , Grove Art Online. Search for particular artists, genres, terminology or by subject. It offers many biographical entries as well.

• Location: Online via Oxford Art Online
• Call #: N/A
• ISBN: N/A
• Contains Bibliography: N/A