Research Initiatives

Steven Nelson, Dean
Gloria de Liberali, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Matthew J. Westerby, Digital Research Officer

In collaboration with the National Gallery’s departments of digital experience, digital solutions, modern prints and drawings, and archives, as well as other colleagues, this project catalyzes research on the Index of American Design (IAD). From 1935 to 1942, as part of the Works Progress Administration, the US government commissioned over 18,000 watercolor paintings, and thousands of photographs, documenting works of folk, decorative, and industrial arts created in the United States. Today, the IAD opens opportunities to explore the unique history of American design and invites reflections on topics of national, regional, and local identity. The Center’s digital project will engage the imagination of National Gallery audiences, integrate perspectives outside of academic art worlds into research and interpretation, and strengthen the National Gallery’s impact as a national museum in service to communities across the country.

Peter M. Lukehart, Associate Dean
Matthew J. Westerby, Digital Research Officer
Fulvia Zaninelli, Postdoctoral Research Associate

The History of the Accademia di San Luca, c. 1590–1635: Documents from the Archivio di Stato di Roma publishes and examines archival documents and other research materials concerning one of the first artists’ academies in Europe. These resources document the breadth of the Accademia di San Luca’s activities, drawing from the proceedings of meetings, financial and legal transactions, property rentals, and other records. Recent additions to the site present annotated, historical maps and guidebooks that situate the academy’s various edifices within the ever-changing urban fabric of Rome.

Matthew J. Westerby, Digital Research Officer

Mapping Our Museum features teams of staff, fellows, and interns from across the National Gallery collaborating on research questions to generate maps or visualizations. Workshops offer introductions to data curation and digital tools. Occasional webinars and presentations organized in conjunction with Mapping Our Museum showcase critical approaches and conceptual frameworks to mapping and visualization in digital humanities and digital art history, focusing on museums, archives, and libraries.