Subjects & Symbols in Art: Reproduction Indexes

Resources for searching for specific topics and names as depicted in artworks.

Definition

Reproduction Indexes are reference resources that index the reproductions of works of art used to illustrate books. Generally speaking, the author of a reproduction index will select a bibliography of well illustrated books that together, thoroughly cover a particular subject or medium and then index and cross reference each illustration to artist, title of the artwork and sometimes subject. Once you have mastered the use of one of these resources, the others will be easy to learn.

General

Portraits

Sculpture

Architecture

Illustrations

Painting

Photography

Prints