Reference sources are useful for basic background information or a general overview of a topic.
Attributed to Nihal Chand, Maharaja Raj Singh in Procession with Members of His Court, ca.1700. Via the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Look in art encyclopedias or on museum websites, like those listed below.
Don't end your research here! Reference sources are too general to be used on their own. But, they are perfect for getting basic information and ideas for in-depth research.
When using a reference source, look for key terms, clues and leads such as:
Write down these terms as you find them. You can keep a running list as you continue your research.
Be aware a person, place or idea may have more than one name! Remain alert for synonyms and alternative words.
Re-use these terms as keywords when searching the library catalog and databases.