Special Issue of Oud Holland: Netherlandish Art History in the Long Nineteenth Century

In History and its Images (1993), Francis Haskell argued that the “rediscovery” of early Netherlandish painting in the nineteenth century played a vital role in the notions of history and culture that undergirded the modern nation-states of Belgium and the Netherlands. Over the past three decades, scholars and curators have delved into the artistic, intellectual, and political implications of this rediscovery. Yet much territory remains unmapped. This special issue of Oud Holland aims to inquire more deeply into the dynamics surrounding the multi-faceted, international appeal of early Netherlandish art during the long nineteenth century. What was at stake in this interest in early Netherlandish art? What ideologies were bound to its rediscovery, and what agendas did this historicizing turn serve? How did the writing of art history intersect with artistic, literary, exhibition, and market practices? What are the legacies of this formative period for art history today? We seek contributions of 5,000 words, excluding notes, which illuminate this complex interplay of past and present. Topics may include the work of artists; the writings of artists, art historians, critics, and others; the activities of curators, dealers, and collectors; as well as broader studies of historiographical and literary trends. We also welcome 2,000 word case studies that closely examine a watershed publication or artwork.

Please submit a 500 word abstract and a one-two page C.V. to NAH2019gmail.com by December 7. Decisions will be made by December 15 and the deadline for first drafts of manuscripts will be April 1.

Guest Editors: Alison Hokanson, Assistant Curator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Edward Wouk, Associate Professor, The University of Manchester