Do You Italicize Painting Titles? A Brush with Artistic Conventions

Do You Italicize Painting Titles? A Brush with Artistic Conventions

When it comes to the world of art, the rules can sometimes be as fluid as the paint on a canvas. One question that often arises among writers, students, and art enthusiasts alike is whether painting titles should be italicized. This seemingly simple query opens up a broader discussion about the conventions of writing about art, the role of titles in the artistic experience, and how we communicate about visual culture in written form.

The Basics: Italics and Titles

In the realm of writing, italics are typically used to denote titles of standalone works, such as books, movies, and albums. This convention helps to distinguish the title from the rest of the text, signaling to the reader that it is a distinct entity. But where do paintings fit into this framework?

According to most style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style and the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines, the titles of paintings, sculptures, and other works of visual art should indeed be italicized. This practice aligns with the treatment of other standalone creative works, reinforcing the idea that a painting is a complete, self-contained piece of art.

The Role of Titles in Art

Titles in art serve multiple purposes. They can provide context, evoke emotion, or even act as an integral part of the artwork itself. Consider Salvador Dalí’s “The Persistence of Memory,” where the title enhances the surreal experience of the melting clocks. Italicizing such titles in writing not only adheres to grammatical conventions but also pays homage to the significance of the title within the artistic experience.

Moreover, titles can be a gateway to understanding the artist’s intent. For instance, Frida Kahlo’s “The Two Fridas” immediately suggests a duality, which is central to the painting’s exploration of identity. By italicizing these titles, writers underscore their importance and ensure that they stand out in the text, much like the artworks themselves stand out in a gallery.

Exceptions and Variations

While the general rule is to italicize painting titles, there are exceptions and variations depending on the context and the style guide being followed. For example, in some journalistic styles or less formal writing, quotation marks might be used instead of italics. However, this is less common and can sometimes lead to confusion, especially when discussing multiple types of works within the same text.

Additionally, when referring to a painting in a language other than English, the title should still be italicized, but it’s often helpful to provide a translation in parentheses. For instance, “La Nuit étoilée” (The Starry Night) by Vincent van Gogh maintains its italicized form, bridging the gap between languages while adhering to stylistic conventions.

The Digital Age and Artistic Titles

In the digital age, where text is often formatted automatically by content management systems and social media platforms, the rules around italicizing painting titles can sometimes blur. Hyperlinks, bold text, and other formatting options can complicate matters. However, maintaining the practice of italicizing painting titles, even in digital formats, helps preserve the integrity of artistic references and ensures clarity for readers.

Furthermore, as art becomes increasingly accessible online, the way we write about it must adapt without losing sight of traditional conventions. Italicizing painting titles in digital content not only follows established norms but also enhances the reader’s experience by clearly delineating the titles from the surrounding text.

Conclusion: A Stroke of Consistency

In conclusion, italicizing painting titles is a widely accepted practice that aligns with broader conventions for titling standalone creative works. It serves to highlight the importance of the title within the artistic context and ensures clarity and consistency in written communication about art. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a blog post, or a social media caption, adhering to this convention helps bridge the gap between the visual and the verbal, allowing the written word to do justice to the visual masterpiece.


Q: Should I italicize the titles of sculptures as well? A: Yes, the titles of sculptures, like paintings, should be italicized. This includes both freestanding sculptures and those that are part of installations.

Q: What about the titles of photographs? A: Photographs are also considered standalone works of art, so their titles should be italicized in writing.

Q: How do I format the title of an art exhibition? A: The title of an art exhibition should be italicized if it is a major, standalone event. However, smaller or thematic exhibitions might be treated differently depending on the context and style guide.

Q: Can I use quotation marks instead of italics for painting titles? A: While quotation marks are sometimes used in less formal contexts, italics are the preferred and more widely accepted format for painting titles in most writing styles.