Red Chalk Drawings (c. 1500-1800). Sources, Techniques and Styles

The Dutch University Institute for Art History in Florence (NIKI) and the Scientific Committee of 'Avere Disegno' are organizing an International Conference devoted to red chalk drawings.

By taking a multi-disciplinary approach, the papers in this conference attempt to clarify the history of red chalk in European context from its emergence as an independent drawing tool in Italy during the second half of the fifteenth century to the early nineteenth century. We are interested in hearing unpublished findings pertaining to the development of style and techniques and how the use of red chalk was related to function and subject matter.
We welcome overviews but also discussions devoted to a single artist, or to matters concerning interpretation, attribution, collecting, restoration or conservation. The invitation is open to PhD students, Postdoctoral students, University Researches and Professors, Museum curators and restorers affiliated with Institutes for Art and Restoration.

Scholars will be given 20 minutes to present their research, using power point. The conference will be held in Italian and English. The final papers and PowerPoints should be sent to the organizers one week before the beginning of the conference. The essays will be published in the editorial series Avere Disegno by EdiFir.

Please send your abstract (300 words) with the title of your research and your CV to both organizers, Michael Kwakkelstein and Luca Fiorentino, before April 30, 2019 using the following addresses: kwakkelsteinnikiflorence.org and luca.fiorentinohotmail.it

The proposals will be selected before May 15, 2019.

For scholars coming from outside of Florence, the Dutch Institute will provide a reimbursement of travel expenses and a hotel sojourn of two nights (in a hotel near the Institute).