The Yale University Art Library, also known as the Haas Arts Library, is a renowned institution that offers an extensive collection of art resources. With over 150,000 volumes, 150 current periodical subscriptions, and a vast array of digital resources, the library is a treasure trove for art historians, curators, artists, and researchers. In this article, we will explore 10+ art resources that can be found only at the Yale Art Library, making it a unique and invaluable destination for those seeking to delve into the world of art.
Introduction to Rare Art Resources
The Yale Art Library boasts an impressive collection of rare and unique art resources that are not easily accessible elsewhere. These resources include rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials that provide valuable insights into the world of art. Some of the notable rare art resources found at the Yale Art Library include the Aldine Press Collection, which features over 1,000 volumes of rare books printed by the Aldine Press, and the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library Special Collections, which comprises a wide range of rare and unique materials related to art and architecture.
Rare Books and Manuscripts
The Yale Art Library has an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts that are of great significance to art historians and researchers. Some of the notable examples include the first edition of Giorgio Vasari’s “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects”, which is considered one of the most important books in the history of art, and the manuscript of Leon Battista Alberti’s “De Pictura”, which is a seminal work on the theory of painting. These resources provide valuable insights into the development of art and architecture throughout history.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Aldine Press Collection | Over 1,000 volumes of rare books printed by the Aldine Press |
| Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library Special Collections | Rare and unique materials related to art and architecture |
| Giorgio Vasari's "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects" | First edition of one of the most important books in the history of art |
| Leon Battista Alberti's "De Pictura" manuscript | Seminal work on the theory of painting |
Digital Art Resources
In addition to its extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, the Yale Art Library also offers a wide range of digital art resources. These resources include online databases, digital images, and other electronic materials that provide easy access to art-related information. Some of the notable digital art resources found at the Yale Art Library include the Artstor Digital Library, which features over 2 million digital images of art and architecture, and the JSTOR database, which provides access to a wide range of academic journals and books related to art and art history.
Online Databases and Digital Images
The Yale Art Library’s digital art resources are designed to provide easy access to art-related information and to support research and learning in the field of art. Some of the notable online databases and digital images include the Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA), which is a comprehensive database of art-related literature, and the Getty Research Institute’s Union List of Artist Names (ULAN), which provides access to a wide range of information on artists and art-related terms.
- Artstor Digital Library: over 2 million digital images of art and architecture
- JSTOR: access to a wide range of academic journals and books related to art and art history
- Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA): comprehensive database of art-related literature
- Getty Research Institute's Union List of Artist Names (ULAN): information on artists and art-related terms
Art Collections and Exhibitions
The Yale Art Library is also home to a number of art collections and exhibitions that showcase the work of artists and provide insights into the development of art throughout history. Some of the notable art collections and exhibitions include the Yale Center for British Art, which features a wide range of British art from the 16th century to the present, and the Yale University Art Gallery, which has a diverse collection of art from around the world, including European, American, Asian, and African art.
Yale Center for British Art
The Yale Center for British Art is a world-renowned institution that is dedicated to the study and preservation of British art. The center has a wide range of resources, including a library, archives, and a collection of over 2,000 paintings, 30,000 drawings and watercolors, and 30,000 prints. Some of the notable resources include the Paul Mellon Collection, which features a wide range of British art from the 16th century to the present, and the British Art Studies journal, which provides insights into the latest research and developments in the field of British art.
| Collection | Description |
|---|---|
| Yale Center for British Art | Wide range of British art from the 16th century to the present |
| Yale University Art Gallery | Diverse collection of art from around the world |
| Paul Mellon Collection | Wide range of British art from the 16th century to the present |
| British Art Studies | Insights into the latest research and developments in the field of British art |
What are the hours of operation for the Yale Art Library?
+The Yale Art Library is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, hours may vary during holidays and summer sessions, so it’s best to check the library’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Can I access the Yale Art Library’s digital resources from off-campus?
+Yes, the Yale Art Library’s digital resources can be accessed from off-campus using a Yale University NetID and password. However, some resources may be restricted to on-campus use only, so it’s best to check the library’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Can I request rare books and manuscripts from the Yale Art Library’s special collections?
+Yes, rare books and manuscripts from the Yale Art Library’s special collections can be requested for use in the library’s reading room. However, some materials may be restricted due to their fragile condition or rarity, so it’s best to check with the library’s staff before making a request.
