Unlocking The Art Of Crafting Paper Titles For Artwork: No Marks Required

How should the title of an artwork be formatted when incorporating it into a paper? Visual artworks, encompassing a broad spectrum such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, mixed media, and more, are typically italicized when mentioned in a written work, rather than being enclosed in quotation marks. For instance, notable pieces like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker” follow this convention and are italicized. However, a notable exception to this italicization rule pertains to the title of one’s own unpublished student essay, which is centered at the top of the first page.

Choosing an appropriate title for artwork is a delicate art that hinges on striking the right balance. In essence, a well-crafted title serves as a subtle guidepost to the underlying theme, inspiration, or concept embedded within the piece, without revealing every detail outright. It functions as a prompt, subtly indicating to the viewer how to engage with the artwork and providing a gateway to delve into its narrative. This process of titling artwork not only enhances the viewer’s experience but also enriches the overall understanding of the creative work. It’s an important aspect of the artistic process that invites viewers to connect with the piece on a deeper level. This practice helps build a bridge between the artist’s vision and the audience’s interpretation, fostering a more profound appreciation of the artwork’s meaning and intent.