Call for applications - Rijksmuseum & Museum of National History of Denmark

The purpose of the Fellowship Programme is to encourage and support scholarly investigation, and to contribute to academic discourses while strengthening bonds between the two organizing museums and universities. The programme enables highly talented candidates to base part of their research at the Museum of National History of Denmark (Frederiksborg Castle) and the Rijksmuseum, and offers access to the collections, expertise, libraries, archives and laboratories of both institutions. Furthermore, it facilitates opportunities for Fellows to engage in workshops and excursions to encourage exchange of knowledge - both amongst themselves and the broader museum audience.

MARBLE GALLERY AT FREDERIKSBORG CASTLE IN A BROADER CONTEXT

In the late 16th and 17th centuries the impact of the Netherlandish art and architecture, and culture in general were trend setting and influential in Denmark. The style of architecture in prominent buildings such as the Exchange (Børsen), the royal castles Kronborg and Frederiksborg, as well as manor houses and residences for wealthy citizens, has even been named “Dutch Renaissance”. Netherlandish works of art were imported to Denmark, and have been a source of inspiration for local artists; architects, artisans and artists from the Low Countries settled in Denmark and some of them founded dynasties spanning several generations.

The general idea of the project is to investigate cases that cast light on these cultural exchanges, by charting important commissions (for instance for the kings), and/or investigating specific Dutch artists and architects who played a major role in Danish history of art: architects such as Hans van Steenwinckel the Older and the Younger, sculptors like Johan Gregor van der Schardt and Adriaen de Vries, painters such as Karel van Mander and Pieter Isaacsz, and many others.

While the postdoc fellow will be formally embedded in the current research project concerning the Marble Gallery at Frederiksborg Castle - the sculptural parts of which were made in Amsterdam at the workshop of Hendrick de Keyser and the architecture designed by the Danish royal master builder Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger – the fellow’s research will be closely linked to the collections and activities of both collaborating museums. The aim of the postdoc project is to situate the Marble Gallery in a broader context of Danish-Dutch cultural exchange during the 'long 17th century'.

The research project could result in in scholarly articles, workshops and/or seminars, and may form a basis for the establishment of future exhibition cooperation between the two host institutions.

CONDITIONS & ELIGIBILITY

• The Fellowship is open to postdoctoral Fellows who have completed their PhD dissertation and obtained a PhD-degree on the date of application.
• It is preferred that applicants don’t have more than ten years of experience since obtaining their PhD degree
• Candidates should have proven research capabilities, academic credentials and excellent command of the English language – both written and spoken. Proficiency in a second language (ideally Danish or Dutch) is preferred.
• Fellowships are open to candidates of all nationalities and with varied specialisms.
• Research will take place at both organizing institutions, and as a consequence the fellow is expected to live and work for a longer period in Denmark and the Netherlands.

FUNDING

Fellowship stipends are awarded to help support a Fellow’s study and research efforts during the tenure of their appointment. The stipend of €45,000 EUR (334829,47 DKK) for postdoctoral Fellows (subject to taxes and deductions) is for a period of twelve months commencing 1 September 2022, the start of the academic year. Both museums will cover visa fees for the Fellow, but not for dependents.

APPLICATION AND PROCEDURE

The application must include an outline of the intended research project with a timeline, and proposals for case studies.

The closing date for all applications is 10 January 2022. All applications must be submitted online and in English. Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will not be accepted.

Selection will be made by an international committee in February 2022. The committee consists of eminent scholars in the relevant fields of study from universities and institutions, as well as staff members of the Rijksmuseum and the Museum of National History. Applicants will be notified by 11 March 2022. All Fellowships will start in September 2022.

It is part of our policy to actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We therefore warmly invite you to apply, regardless of your social or cultural background, sexual preference, gender, age or disability.