Summer School: Museum Objects as Evidence: An Interdisciplinary Approach (Amsterdam, 27 July – 7 August, 2020)
Application deadline: 1 March, 2020
From 27 July through 7 August 2020, the Rijksmuseum,
the University of Amsterdam, and Bard Graduate Center will offer an
interdisciplinary Summer School devoted to object-based research within a
museum setting. Experts in the field will provide participants with an
exclusive and in-depth look at the technical, analytic, and interpretive work
going on behind the scenes in the conservation studios, science laboratories,
and curatorial departments. By focusing on how material objects provide primary
evidence for historical research, this collaborative course introduces multiple
techniques and perspectives for extracting the types of information museum
objects generate and unraveling the many stories they can tell.
Program
Over the course of two weeks, participants will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, curators, conservators, and scientists from the Rijksmuseum, the Conservation Department of the University of Amsterdam, and Bard Graduate Center (New York City). The Summer School is anchored by a series of object-focused case studies drawn mainly from the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. These sessions highlight the varied ways of gathering information about the material past, allowing us to ask more profound questions about the circumstances of objects’ production and use, and about the persons who made and used them. Participants will also be introduced to the use of several advanced analytical techniques. Demonstrations will be given by the scientists operating the apparatus, so that the participants can gain first-hand information about the principles and, perhaps more importantly, the possibilities and limitations of technical analysis.
Just as important is a study of the ways museums
mobilize and present objects as part of their public mission. Object sessions
are thus complemented by an interactive program of seminars, lectures, and practical
assignments highlighting the possibilities, challenges and limitations of exhibiting
cultural history in museums. Each day will end with a discussion led by two of
the students. Excursions to other museums and institutions form part of the
program.
Key themes will
include:
- Reading the object
- Biography of the object
- Objects as evidence
- Damage and decay
- Issues of authenticity
- Reconstructing the object
- Meaning through display
- Reimagining the object
- Thinking of the future
Participants will emerge from the Summer School with enhanced tools and perspectives for conducting innovative object-based research, and for using museum objects as historical evidence. For this Summer School, the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam collaborate under the flag of the Netherlands Institute for Conservation+Art+Science+ (NICAS), of which they are founding partners.
Entry Requirements
This Summer School is aimed primarily at advanced students (MA and PhD
level preferred) and young professionals specializing in the fields of history,
art history, archaeology, or anthropology—but other humanities students
interested in questions of cultural heritage are also welcome to apply.
Selection is based on academic achievement, relevant work experience, and
motivation to attend.
Deadline for application: 1 March.
Please review the University of
Amsterdam website for further information on the course fee,
accommodation, scholarships, application procedure, and all related practical
matters.
Contact
For questions about the contents of the program, please contact Barbara Tedder, Coordinator Academic Programmes at the Rijksmuseum [email protected]. For other practical questions, please contact Ellen Bosma, Secretary at the Arts and Culture Department of University of Amsterdam [email protected].
