Project: Mapping the Antwerp-Brussels-Oudenaarde tapestry complex (1600-1700) via social network analysis

You will try to find an answer to a straightforward yet unconventional question: Given the fact that Flemish tapestry production was exceptionally capitalintensive and perilous, how did 17th-century Flemish tapestry producers manage to avoid market failure?

You will collect and model attributional and relational data on the population of tapestry actors. By using network analysis software programs (e.g. UCINET) you will compute, visualize and analyze social and economic ties and networks within this entrepreneurial community, which will help you to understand meaning and/or cause behind the socioeconomic and artistic patterns that are now hidden in the data.

The project will be developed at KU Leuven in collaboration with co-advisors from Duke University (N. De Marchi and H.J. Van Miegroet) and Rutgers University (P. McLean).

You have a Master's degree in Art History or History (or Sociology) and are fluent in Dutch and English. You know how to read and interpret 17th-century documents written in Flemish (or you are willing to develop this expertise quickly). Good IT skills are necessary.

Please apply by mailing your CV and two letters of recommendation to koen.brosensarts.kuleuven.be by 2 July 2012.