The fourth line in our image caption example reads "36 x 72 in. (91.44 x 182.88 cm)." This tells us that Soir Bleu is 36-inches (91.44 centimeters) high and 72-inches (182.88 centimeters) long.
Dimensions are crucial pieces of information. They are indispensable in correctly identifying a given work, and essential for cataloging and conservation purposes.
Notes:
- If a work is two-dimensional, well, you're only going to get the two dimensions. It is fairly standard practice to denote height first, then length. Not everyone follows this guideline, though, so you may have to deduce which listed dimension is which at times.
- If a drawing or painting comes in more than one part, as with a triptych or altarpiece, or if someone has measured a canvas with and without its frame, there will be more than one set of dimensions.
- Centimeters may be written as either "182,88" or "182.88." Both mean the same thing. Some countries just prefer to use a comma instead of a decimal point.
- If an object - even one on loan - is housed in a museum where the Imperial standard is used, you should see inches listed first, then centimeters. Reverse this process if the object is somewhere that the metric system is used.
- It is most courteous to include both metric and Imperial measurements in an online image caption, as its implied World Wide Web audience is "world wide," not "down the street."
- If an object is three-dimensional, you are going to see letters such as H: (height), W: (width), L: (length), D: (depth) or possibly the abbreviation Diam: (diameter) in front of any measurements.
- In one final variation, sometimes three-dimensional works are composed of more than one component, such as a bust and its plinth or a glass vessel in a mount. When this happens, you're going to be gifted with at least four measurements.
