Visual query programs are an effective tool for searching large collection of images. Unlike most programs of this type that rely on text to access categories of images, IBM's QBIC software will search for images based on what they look like. This is of value in situations where the content of an image is not described in the text catalog or when the user is seeking relational images. The Art and Art History Department at the University of California, Davis is using QBIC to determine what role it may play in retrieval of fine art images. This paper describes the department's construction of a pilot database and presents preliminary findings.