I TATTI/MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO JOINT FELLOWSHIP

Villa I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy, and the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain, offer a joint residential fellowship for the 2027-2028 academic year. Fellows will spend the fall term (mid-September to mid–December 2027) in Madrid,  supported by the American Friends of the Prado Museum and the spring term (January to June 2028) in Florence. The fellowship is designed for early and mid-career scholars in the field of art history, with preference given to advanced research projects that address the relationship between Spain and Italy (including transnational connections and dialogues with Latin America) during the Renaissance, broadly understood historically to include the period from the 14th to the 17th century.

Eligibility

At the time of application, scholars must have a PhD in hand and will be asked to upload a scan of the certificate. They may not be working on a second PhD at the time of application. Applicants must be conversant in English and Spanish and have at least a reading knowledge of Italian, with a solid background in Italian and/or Spanish and Latin American studies. Each successful candidate must be approved by both the Museo Nacional del Prado and Villa I Tatti and will spend the fall term (mid-September to mid-December) at the Museo del Prado in Madrid supported by the American Friends of the Prado Museum and the spring term (January-June) at Villa I Tatti in Florence. During both terms, it must be possible for Fellows to carry out most of their research with the resources available in the city where they are resident. Priority will be given to applicants with no previous association with either I Tatti or the Museo del Prado. Renewals, repeats, or deferments of this Fellowship are not granted. Fellows should work solely on the project with which they applied and are not permitted to work simultaneously on editing other book or article projects. The proposed research project may represent a segment of a larger project.

Terms and details relating to Villa I Tatti

• Fellows will spend the Spring Term, January – June 2028, at I Tatti.
• Fellows may not take on any other obligations such as teaching positions, even part-time ones, during any part of their fellowship period.
• The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
• This is a residential fellowship. Fellows must live in the Florence area, spend at least three days a week at I Tatti, and participate in and contribute to the activities at the Center.
• Fellows enjoy all the privileges of I Tatti, including use of the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week and lunch with other Appointees from Monday through Friday.
• Fellows are offered a reserved desk or carrel in the Biblioteca Berenson.
• Fellows will receive a monthly sum of USD 5,200, plus a one-time supplement (maximum USD 1,800) towards relocation expenses. When possible, an apartment will be set aside for the Fellow’s use, rent free, but with charges for utilities. If an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy will be offered to help offset rental costs.
• The Fellow is responsible for obtaining a visa, permesso di soggiorno, and health coverage (and, if appropriate, for accompanying family members). The Fellow must determine if a visa is required and, if necessary, obtain one before travel.
• If the candidate receives partial salary or outside grants, this must be indicated on the application or in subsequent correspondence with the Director, and permission must be received.

Terms and details relating to the Museo del Prado

• Fellows will spend the fall term, mid-September through mid-December 2027, at the Museo Nacional del Prado.
• Fellows are required to spend their research period in Madrid except for research-related trips, and to participate in and contribute to the activities of Study Center of the Museo del Prado.
• The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
• The Fellow is responsible for obtaining a Liability Insurance Policy and an Accident and Health Insurance Policy.
• The Fellow must determine if a visa is required and, if necessary, obtain one before travel.
• Fellows are given a space to work within the Study Center and are allocated an Academic Supervisor for the duration of their stay.
• Fellows enjoy the use of the Museo Nacional del Prado Library, Archive, and Collections.
• Fellows will receive a monthly sum of USD 5,000, supported by the American Friends of the Prado Museum.

Application

Applications must be written in English and must be submitted electronically by midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on November 16, 2026. Scholars can apply to only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must have two scholars who know their work well submit recommendations online by November 21, 2026. These recommendations must be written in English. In order to give your referees adequate time to submit letters of recommendation, click the reference tab and register them as early as possible. Referees will receive an email explaining how to access the system and submit their letters electronically. It is the applicants’ responsibility to inform the scholars writing on their behalf of the nature of the project and the deadline for submission.