Art Historical Reconstruction: From the Library to the Laboratory

Course goals

Learning Outcomes
- Apply and evaluate current methods and tools in art and architectural history, with a focus on reconstruction as both a digital and material research approach.
- Analyze and reflect critically on the history of art as a history of practical knowledge and material engagement.
- Analyze and reflect critically on the role of art historians in academic, professional, and public contexts.
- Collaborate effectively across disciplines to identify, analyze, and reframe complex heritage questions.
- Assess the potential and limitations of digital and material reconstruction for research, education, and public engagement.
- Reflect on your own competencies and demonstrate motivation to continue developing your knowledge and skills in response to the changing demands of the field (lifelong learning)

Content

This course explores reconstruction as a research method in art and architectural history from two perspectives: object-oriented and process-oriented. The object-oriented approach focuses on digital research tools (3D digitization, XR) and analytical techniques. The process-oriented approach focuses on historical making techniques and the context of materials, skills and technological developments. You will work in the ArtLab, getting hands-on experience with scientific reconstruction, from theory to execution. The language of instruction is English, but assignments can be submitted in Dutch. The course is open to diverse backgrounds and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to answer complex research questions.