Art history surveys, like Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Gombrich's Story of Art, Janson's History of Art, Stokstad's Art History, or Honour and Fleming's Visual Arts: a History can also help you place the work of art in historical context. Your instructor may prefer one of these texts; copies are on reserve in the Art Library.

Timelines such as those found on the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Encyclopedia Britannica Online sites may be helpful as well.

The Class Tour section of the Ackland website often lists issues to consider with each painting.