AMERICAN FRIENDS OF CAPODIMONTE POSTDOCTORAL CURATORIAL FELLOWSHIP
Museo di Capodimonte, Naples (Italy)
The American Friends of Capodimonte Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging U.S. art historians to immerse themselves in the world of European museology at one of Italy’s most prestigious museums, the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples. This fellowship, the first of its kind created for Americans in an Italian museum, integrates the Fellow into the museum’s curatorial team, supporting the museum’s wide range of projects, including exhibitions, publications, interpretation, translations, and educational initiatives.
The Fellow will assist Director Eike Schmidt and his team with tasks that enhance the visibility and accessibility of Capodimonte’s world-class collection to an international audience. Fellows also manage the American Friends of Capodimonte’s social media presence, write the organization’s quarterly newsletter, and offer private tours to international guests, donors, and members of the press. The Fellowship allows scholars to pursue independent research aligned with their expertise, often leading to curatorial projects that further their professional growth. Previous Fellows have curated exhibitions, researched significant collections like the Farnese Drawings, and contributed to international exhibitions and publications.
Fellowship Period and Support
The Fellowship spans 12 months, from September 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, with the potential for a second-year extension. Fellows are expected to reside in Naples and work full-time at the Museo di Capodimonte. The Fellowship includes a $38,000 annual stipend, housing or a housing stipend, and access to potential travel funds for project-related research.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a PhD in Art History, with the degree awarded after May 30, 2022, or be pre-doctoral candidates expecting to receive their degree by the start of the Fellowship. U.S. citizenship is required. Applicants should specialize in Early Modern European Art, particularly Italian Renaissance or Baroque art, and demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken Italian.
Application Requirements
Applications must include a cover letter detailing interest in the fellowship, a CV, a writing sample (e.g., published paper or dissertation chapter), and two professional references. All materials must be submitted in PDF format by January 15, 2025.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Fellowship Period: September 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026
For more information, please visit: www.americanfriendsofcapodimonte.info/afc-fellowship-about
