How to Cite a Picture in MLA
Citing a picture in MLA format is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it provides proper attribution to the original source and avoids plagiarism. Whether you are writing a research paper, a presentation, or a blog post, it is crucial to follow the MLA citation guidelines accurately. In this article, we will discuss the steps to cite a picture in MLA format, including in-text citations and works cited list entries.
1. In-text Citation
To cite a picture in MLA format within your text, you need to include the author’s last name and the page number where the image is located. If the author’s name is not available, use the title of the image instead. Here’s an example:
– (Smith 23)
– (The Great Wall of China)
If the image is part of a larger work, such as a book or an article, include the title of the work in parentheses as well:
– (Smith, “The Great Wall of China” 23)
– (“The Great Wall of China” 23)
2. Works Cited List Entry
To complete the citation process, you must include a full entry in the Works Cited list at the end of your document. The format for citing a picture in MLA format is as follows:
– Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Image.” Title of the Book or Website, Publisher or Website, Date of Publication or Last Updated, URL or Page Number.
Here are a few examples:
– Smith, John. “The Great Wall of China.” A History of China, 2nd ed., by Jane Doe, ABC Publishing, 2020, pp. 23-25. www.example.com.
– Doe, Jane. “The Mona Lisa.” The Art of the Renaissance, by John Smith, XYZ Publishing, 2019, p. 45. www.example.com.
– Unknown Artist. “The Scream.” The Museum of Modern Art, 2021, www.moma.org/collection.
3. Citing Digital Images
When citing digital images, it is essential to include the URL or the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in your Works Cited list entry. This information helps readers locate the image online. Here’s an example:
– Doe, Jane. “The Mona Lisa.” The Art of the Renaissance, by John Smith, XYZ Publishing, 2019, p. 45. www.example.com.
Remember to follow the MLA guidelines for formatting URLs and DOIs:
– URLs should be written in lowercase letters, with no punctuation marks.
– DOIs should be written in uppercase letters, with a prefix of “doi:” followed by the DOI number.
4. Additional Notes
– When citing a picture in MLA format, always double-check the image’s source to ensure you have the correct information for your citation.
– If the image is a photograph or a painting, include the medium (e.g., photograph, painting) in your Works Cited list entry.
– If the image is part of a public domain work, you may not need to include a citation, but it is still good practice to mention the source.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite a picture in MLA format and maintain the integrity of your academic work. Always remember to double-check your citations and consult the MLA Handbook for more detailed information on citation rules.
