CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
NEH Summer Institute
Leonardo da Vinci: Between Art and Science
Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz
June 25 – July 13, 2012
Application deadline: March 1, 2012

The NEH invites applications to participate in a collaborative, three-week Institute focused on the works of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). The program is designed to encompass multiple disciplinary perspectives, including art and architectural history, Renaissance studies, the history of science, literature, philosophy and religious studies. This heterogeneous group, which reflects the interdisciplinary culture of the Renaissance itself, will explore dynamic relations between early modern art and science, engaging in a multifaceted analysis of Leonardo's many paintings, drawings, and writings.

Beyond its interdisciplinary approach, the Institute has two main aims. First, it focuses on a deep understanding of the interrelated activities of the artist, examining how Leonardo connected scientific investigation of the world with his activity as a painter, the interaction between word and image in his writings, and the significance of this unique legacy. More broadly, the Institute will investigate the status of images in the construction and transmission of knowledge, the boundaries of observation and representation, and the articulation of these issues in sixteenth century philosophy and art theory.

A faculty of internationally renowned scholars will introduce the main topics of the Institute. The Kunsthistorisches Institut, located at the center of intellectual life in Florence, provides an ideal setting for our inquiry. Approximately 25 NEH Summer Scholars from different fields and career stages will be selected. Although expertise in the interpretation of Leonardo's works is not required, Scholars will pursue an individualized research project, related to the Institute’s topics, based on their interests and training. Application is open to all college and university faculty, graduate and postdoctoral students affiliated with U.S. institutions. Please address inquiries to the Director, Francesca Fiorani, Associate Professor, McIntire Department of Art, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400130, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4130, email: ff6fvirginia.edu.