The Department of History and Art History at Utrecht University is looking for a candidate for the PhD-project “The (R)evolution of Reconstruction: an analysis of digital facsimiles”. This project analyses the value of digital facsimiles for researchers, heritage institutions, and museum visitors, in the past, present and future.

The chosen candidate will focus on digitally reconstructing the medieval altarpiece for St. John's Cathedral in Den Bosch, created by the Utrecht-based sculptor Adriaen van Wesel. Although partially preserved, this object is considered the finest example of a fifteenth-century altarpiece in the Northern Netherlands.

Firstly, this case study will analyse how the development and application of analytical techniques in the history of art have shaped the form of facsimiles and the ongoing debate surrounding their value in the last century. Secondly, the candidate will explore how technical data, such as that obtained through x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, can be integrated in a virtual model and how researchers can utilise the facsimile within the metaverse as an art historical research tool. Lastly, this project will investigate how digital facsimiles can act as substitutes for original works of art, thus contributing to a sustainable heritage sector. This project will be conducted in collaboration with Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht.

As our PhD candidate, you will:

conduct in-depth art historical research on the Altarpiece for St. John's Cathedral, analysing existing fragments using technical art history methods and archival sources;

utilise digital reconstruction techniques to recreate the altarpiece in its original form, with a particular focus on accurately representing the original topography and the polychromy of the remaining fragments;

collaborate with technical art historians, experts in digital humanities and heritage studies to develop and validate the methodology of digital reconstruction.

Profiel

• We are looking for a candidate with a demonstrable interest in medieval or early modern history or art history and with a strong record of undergraduate and Master's degree work.
• Furthermore, our ideal candidate has:
• a demonstrable interest in digital humanities;
• excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, coupled with a creative approach to finding innovative solutions;
• strong communication and collaboration abilities, with the capacity to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team;
• an interest in academic research and a strong aspiration for personal development in this field.

Aanbod

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for 18 months with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

More information

For more information and contact: For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Sanne Frequin

(Assistant Professor of Art History) s.frequin@uu.nl

Solliciteren

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Are you interested in applying? Please include the following in your application:

• a cover letter, in which you indicate what makes you a strong candidate for this research project (e.g., your ability to combine skills in art history and digital humanities);
• your curriculum vitae;
• a sample of writing (e.g., Master’s thesis chapter, final paper written for a Master’s course, or published article);
• the names and contact information of two persons who can provide references.

Candidates who make the shortlist will be interviewed in person in Utrecht on 26 or 28 June.

Uiterlijk reageren op 15 juni 2023, via deze link.