Application deadline: 22 March 2020

Terra Foundation Research Fellowship in American Art
Project: American Art Collection. A new vision.

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza is a public museum based in Madrid (Spain). The institution founding aims are the preservation, study, public display and promotion of the works of art that make up the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. The Museum has an extensive display of nineteenth-century and twentieth century American paintings and has become an essential reference point for a study and knowledge of American Art in the European context.

Funded by the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza offers a two-year Fellowship (June 2020 to June 2022) in Madrid for a Junior Curator position for the research of the American Art collection, particularly nineteenth century painting.

The Terra Foundation for American Art is dedicated to fostering exploration, understanding, and enjoyment of the visual arts of the United States for national and international audiences. Recognizing the importance of experiencing original works of art, the foundation provides opportunities for interaction and study, beginning with the presentation and growth of this own art collection in Chicago. To further cross-cultural dialogue on American art, the foundation supports and collaborates on innovative exhibitions, research, and educational programs. Implicit in such activities is the belief that art has the potential both to distinguish cultures and to unite them.

The position will become available approximately June 1, 2020.

The Fellow will be part of the Modern Painting department with access to curators, conservators, and other departments. The fellow curator will develop an in-depth research of the American works of the permanent collection of the museum. In consultation and collaboration with the Modern Painting Department the result of the research will be presented in a new display of the American collection and a scholarly publication and two International Symposia.

Criteria:
Applicants should hold a Master degree in the field of art history with specialization in American art of the 19th century.

Requirements:
Broad knowledge of American art from the 19th century.
Academic skills at the highest level, based on scientific publications and experience.
Availability to travel to Archives and American museum departments.
High command of the English language (spoken and written) and good knowledge of Spanish.
Organizational skills and team spirit.
Ability to work under deadline pressure.
Skills with various Office applications and databases and affinity with social media.
The applicants should apply for a Spanish working visa (The Museum will give assistance with all paperwork).

Desirable:
Preference will be given to scholars of American painting who are pursuing or have already completed a PhD.
Working experience in the American department of a museum.