Skip to Main Content

Call & Respond: Finding Images

MTL 2050: Call & Respond

This guide will help you navigate image resources for Kendall Reiss' Call & Respond.

Finding Images in Books

Print books are still one of the best places to find high-quality images with factually reliable information. There are several ways to find what you need:

Search the FLO Catalog, or take a look at the titles under these subject headings:

Note that many of these titles are held by the SMFA Library's local consortium partners. You can visit these libraries directly to check out books, or place a request for delivery to the SMFA.

Browse the shelves at the SMFA Library. Kendall has put together a list of titles related to metals and jewelry, which will help you find relevant titles:

You can also dive in and browse the following subject call number ranges:

NK5000 Enameling NK7350  Jewelry, organizaed by place
NK5100-5198 Glassworks NK7080 Pearls
NK6440 Metal making NK7804 Bronze
NK7103-NK7280 Historical metalworking NK8204   Iron
NK7812 Contemporary jewelry    

Image Databases

The SMFA Library provides access to Artstor and Camio, two excellent image databases. Librarians are available to help you navigate these resources.

Jewelry, Metals, and Armor at the Museum of FIne Arts, Boston

Search and browse the collections of metal objects at the Museum of Fine Arts:

Other Publically Available Online Image Resources for Jewelry and Armor

Making the Most of Google Image Search

Do you know about Google Advanced Image Search? Give it a try! It's a great way to harness the power of the regular Google Image Search toward delivering quality, trustworthy results. Some tips:

  • In the "image size" menu, select a larger option to help ensure image quality.
  • In the "site or domain" field, enter .edu and/or .org. This will limit your search to sites (from museums, universities, etc.) that are more likely to include complete and accurate information with image files.
  • Try filtering your search by "usage rights." In most cases, using images for scholarly work (papers, presentations) is protected by Fair Use, but incorporating images into the output of your artistic practice is a thornier issue. Knowing the licensing information for images you use is a smart way to work. 

Contact us!

Please feel free to get in touch with a librarian at any stage of your research process. Stop by the library (located on the third floor of the B side of the Fenway building), or get in touch directly with:

Ashley Peterson

  • apeterson@smfa.edu
  • 617-369-3653

Darin Murphy

  • dmurphy@smfa.edu
  • 617-369-3651

Circulation Desk (evening and weekend contact)

  • library@smfa.edu
  • 617-369-3650
smfa