Struggling with chicago style writing footnotes help

[Buddy]

Hi everyone! I'm a second-year student in art history, and I'm working on my first really big research paper about Renaissance painting techniques. I'm so excited about the topic—it's fascinating!

But I have to be honest: the Chicago style writing is kicking my butt a little bit. Specifically, the footnotes. I just can't seem to get them right!

Okay, so here's my specific problem. I have a source that I'm using a lot. Like, a lot a lot. It's this amazing book on Leonardo da Vinci's methods. I cite it on page 2, then again on page 3, then again on page 5, and so on. I know I'm supposed to use the full citation the first time. But after that? Do I write "Ibid." every single time? I thought that was the rule, but then my friend told me that "Ibid." is old-fashioned and not used anymore?

Then there's the whole "short form" thing. Sometimes I see "Smith, Leonardo, 45." Is that right? When do I use that instead of "Ibid."? My brain is spinning!

I really want to master the Chicago style writing because I know it's the standard for my field. Art history just looks better with footnotes, you know? It feels more scholarly and elegant.

So, please, wonderful forum people: can someone give me a simple, clear breakdown of how to handle repeated citations in Chicago footnotes? When do I use the full form, when do I use the short form, and what's the deal with Ibid.? I'd be forever grateful!

 

[HovardF]

First of all, Renaissance painting techniques? Chef's kiss. Such a good topic.

Okay, footnotes. I just went through this with my Baroque art paper. Here's the simple breakdown:

• First time: Full citation (Author, Title, (City: Publisher, Year), Page).
• Second time (immediately after): You can use "Ibid., 45." if you want. It's still technically correct in Chicago style.
• But here's the trick: If you cite it again later (like five pages later), just use the short form: "Smith, Leonardo, 45."

Most profs actually prefer the short form for everything after the first because it's clearer for the reader.