In recent decades, art historians have given increasing attention to historical painting techniques, materials, and workshop practice. Through diverse research methods, scholars and research groups strive to get to broader and deeper knowledge about how artists and crafts(wo)men went about to create and sell their masterpieces. This course explores these diverse approaches and their outcome; through analysis of surviving artworks, written testimonies, biographies, visual and archival sources, and hands-on methods (research by doing). We will examine and reflect on more and less traditional research methodologies, and discuss topics such as agency, workshop organisation, use and availability of materials, practical and spatial challenges, technological treatises and recipes, and the transmission of tacit knowledge. Both major and minor art forms will be subject of research, with special focus on Italian practices and techniques. The assessment will consist of: a preparatory literature assignment to be handed in two weeks before the course; active participation and an individual presentation in Rome; and a final essay to be handed in no later than four weeks after the course. In Rome, this intensive course will consist of lectures at KNIR, group discussions, student presentations, excursions to museums, churches, and other institutions, individual research in the KNIR library, and hands-on sessions in the Material Culture Lab of the KNIR.
Language
English, unless all participants are proficient in Dutch
Teaching staff
Dr. Laura Overpelt; Dr. Thijs Hagendijk; guest lecturers
Target group
The course is open to a maximum of 12 selected students at MA, ResMA or PhD level from KNIR partner universities (University of Amsterdam, Free University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, University of Groningen, Radboud University, Leiden University). This course is intended for students in art history, especially the early modern period. Students from other disciplines are welcome to send their application, if they can motivate proven affinity with and prior knowledge of the subject, and the usefulness of this course for their curriculum.
Credits
The study load for this course is 5 EC (140 hours). Each student should arrange with his/her home coordinator whether the course can be a part of the existing curriculum. After successful completion of the course, the KNIR provides a certificate mentioning study load and evaluation. Students who need 6 EC (168 hours) to fill up their curriculum (UvA/VU) will receive an extra assignment. They should communicate this with the instructor before the course starts.
Costs
Participants will receive free tuition and excursions (including most entry fees for museums and archaeological sites). Travel expenses to and from Rome will be reimbursed up to € 100,- (or € 125,- in case you travel by train) upon a successful completion of this course. Meals and personal expenses are not included.
Facilities in Rome
All participants will be housed at the Royal Netherlands Institute near Rome’s Villa Borghese Park. From there, it is only a short walk to the historical center of Rome. The KNIR accommodation consists of shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and includes a living and dining space, a large kitchen, washing machine and wireless internet. All residents have 24/7 access to the library and gardens of the Royal Netherlands Institute.
Application and admission
The selection of participants is based on the added value of the course in the student’s curriculum, a letter of motivation, grades, and the composition of the group. You can apply via the link below; include in your application:
- a letter of motivation (max. 1 A4)
- a cv
- a recent list of courses followed and grades provided by your university
At KNIR we believe diversity enriches debate: different perspectives contribute to the quality of our work. We therefore value and highly encourage applications from students with diverse backgrounds and identities.
Deadline applications
01 December 2025
You will be notified about the outcome within two weeks after the deadline. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
More info
E-mail: secretary@knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621
