The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will enable one predoctoral candidate annually to base part of their PhD-research at the Rijksmuseum. This is a one-year Fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year. Applications should include an outline of the proposed research, related to the Rijksmuseum's holdings, in which objects are fundamental. A suitable project might entail research into art objects as artistic or historical sources or object-related archival research. The Fellow’s progress will be assessed in consultation with his/her supervisors at the university and the Rijksmuseum, to determine if the renewal of the Fellowship for a second year is desirable. The Fellowship will preferably result in a publication, the content and form of which will be decided by the Fellow and his/her academic supervisors in consultation with the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum will provide working space for the Fellows, in order to stimulate an exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Access will be provided to all necessary information in the museum, as well as to the library and the resources of the Netherlands Institute for Art History (RKD) in The Hague.

Eligibility

• The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship supports individuals engaged in postgraduate university studies leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (DSc) degree, whose research is compatible with the Fellowship position. The candidate has to have a university-affiliated supervisor.
• Fellowships are open to candidates of all nationalities and with varied specialisms. They may include art historians, curators, conservators and historians.
• Candidates should have proven research capabilities, academic credentials and excellent written and spoken knowledge of two languages (English and preferably Dutch or German).