Looking at pictures, or illustrations, on Shabbos and reading the captions that describe it:

It is permitted to look at pictures on Shabbos.[1] [Nonetheless, it is not proper to use one’s time on Shabbos for looking at pictures, if he can use it for Torah learning.[2]]

Reading the descriptions under the pictures:[3] It is forbidden to read the captions that are under a picture and describe the people, or events associated with it.[4] This applies to [all] pictures [whether on] a wall, curtain [or in a book[5]]. It is forbidden to read the caption even in one’s mind, without verbalizing the words.[6] This prohibition applies even if one derives pleasure and excitement from reading the captions under the pictures.[7] This prohibition applies even if the picture is of matters discussed in Tanach, such as the battle between Dovid and Goliath [or Akeidas Yitzchak[8]].[9] This prohibition applies even if the caption is engraved onto the picture, and not written, [with exception to if it is engraved on a wall, in which case a concave engraving may be read].[10]

The cases of exception: In the following cases, it is permitted to read the captions that are found under a picture:

1. One is reading it for the sake of a Mitzvah or for the sake of learning Torah [such as pictures found in Torah books for the sake of illustrating a Halacha or Sugya[11]].[12]
2. The caption discusses a matter that pertains to the public.[13]
3. The caption discusses matters that pertains to one’s health [such as a safety sign]. In such a case one may read it in one’s mind.[14]
4. The caption is engraved in a wall.[15]

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[1] Admur Kuntrus Achron 301:2 “If even during the week its permitted, from where would we get to prohibit it on Shabbos?”; [Now, although Admur ibid records a dispute regarding if one may look at pictures [Diyoknos] even during the week [see Shabbos 149a], that is only in his analyzation of the opinion of the M”A 301:5, however, in truth we rule that one may look at pictures during the week, so long as they were not made for purposes of idolatry. (Michaber Y.D. 142:15; Shach 142:33; Rosh 23:2; Tosafus Shabbos ibid)] P”M 301 A”A 5; Chemed Moshe 3012; Mamar Mordechai 301:2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 307:22

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule it is forbidden to look at pictures on Shabbos. [Chazon Ish, brought in Orchos Rabbeinu 3:238]

[2] See Admur 307:2 and 290:5

[3] Admur 307:29 “A wall or curtain which contains designs of different animals or sketches of people [portraying] historical events, such as the battle of David and Goliath, and it is written under [these portraits] “this is the figure of this animal” and “this is the portrait of this person”, it is forbidden to read this writing on Shabbos due to a decree that one may come to read layman documents.”; Michaber 307:15; Shabbos 149a as explained in Rashi

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule it is permitted to read the captions written under pictures for the sake of pleasure, as will be explained in coming footnotes.

[4] The reason: This is due to a decree that one may come to read layman documents. [Admur ibid; Kuntrus Achron ibid; Rashi ibid; Rosh 23:1; Beis Yosef 307; Levush 307; M”B 307:57] Alternatively, the reason is due to worry that one may come to erase the words. [Rambam, brought in Kuntrus Achron ibid; Semak and Ran, brought in Elya Raba 307:37 and Kaf Hachaim 307:109] The practical ramification between the two reasons is if one may read engraved captions. [Elya Raba ibid]

[5] Makor Chaim 307; Piskeiy Teshuvos 307:22

[6] Admur ibid; Rabbeinu Yonah, brought in Rosh ibid; Olas Shabbos 307:19; Kaf Hachaim 307:108

[7] Admur Kuntrus Achron 301:2 “If the M”A intended to permit the reading of the captions, this requires great analysis, as how can we permit a Rabbinical decree simply due to pleasure. Should we permit doing business on Shabbos due to pleasure? Chas Veshalom to suggest such a thing, and it is obvious that we do not push off a prohibition due to the Mitzvah of Oneg, as this is a Mitzvah Haba Baveira.”; Elya Raba 301:6; Chemed Moshe 3012; Mamar Mordechai 301:2; Menorah Hatehora 301:4; Aruch Hashulchan 301:44; Kaf Hachaim 301:12; Shaar Hatziyon 301:7; Piskeiy Teshuvos 307:22; See Beir Moshe 6:66, and Ketzos Hashulchan 107:2

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule it is permitted to read the captions written under pictures for the sake of pleasure. [Possible way of understanding M”A 301:4, and so understands P”M 301 A”A 5; See Admur in Kuntrus Achron ibid who questions the understanding in the M”A ibid]

[8] Olas Shabbos 307:18; Elya Raba 307:36; P”M 307 A”A 21; Kaf Hachaim 307:107

[9] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Rashi ibid

[10] Admur 307:22; Kaf Hachaim 307:109

[11] Orchos Rabbeinu 1:140; Piskeiy Teshuvos 307:22 footnote 187

[12] Admur 307:23

[13] Admur 307:24

[14] Admur 307:25

[15] Admur 307:22

[16] Orchos Rabbeinu 1:140

[17] Mishnas Yosef 7:72; Chazon Ovadia 6:45; Migdanos Eliyahu; Piskeiy Teshuvos 307 footnote 187