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DSGN 105 - Visual Design Systems: Find Images in Databases and Online

Find Images

High-quality art images are essential for research, papers and presentations. Recommended image sources are listed here.


carolynhack via photopin cc


Mona Lisa, DaVinci via ARTstor

Download High Quality Images Here

We recommend these image databases:

Image Search Tips

Search tips!

  • Don't end your search at Google Images - but it can be a good starting point.
  • Use a library image database.
    • These will have high-quality images that will look good in your presentations, and come from verifiable sources.
  • Which museum or collections own the artwork you're studying?
    • You can sometimes find this information in Wikipedia. Use it wisely! 
    • Look at the museum's website.
      • Look for pages or links like "image collections," "online collections," or "digital library"
  • Search artist's name and the phrase "catalogue raisonné" in SCAD Libraries. 
    • Catalogues raisonnés are comprehensive listings of all known works by an artist, and might include images or tell you which museum or collection owns the work.

Museum Websites

Many museum websites offer high-quality, authoritative images of works in their collections. Try these after you search JSTOR: