'The Virgin's House and other Architectural Narratives in Renaissance Marian Painting'
University of York - Department of History of Art, University of York, and the National Gallery London

The Department of History of Art at the University of York and the National Gallery, London, are pleased to offer a three-year AHRC-funded doctoral studentship to commence in October 2011 to investigate the fictive architecture inhabited by the Virgin Mary in Italian Renaissance Painting. The research will be supervised by Dr Amanda Lillie (University of York) and Mr Luke Syson (National Gallery).

Whereas studies of Marian cults and imagery have tended to focus on the body of the saint and its representation, or on churches, cities, pilgrimages, civic rituals and intercessionary processes, this PhD will examine how images of the Virgin are often dependent on the representation of architecturally defined places and spaces. Its broader aim is to contribute to a study of the representation of architecture in painting. This is a surprisingly neglected field through all art historical periods, but one which offers new insights into the relations between the arts and the interface between architecture as experienced and imagined. It can also add an art historical dimension to the burgeoning field of spatial visualisation.

Taking as it starting point a series of key works in the National Gallery in London, this project will explore why painters incorporated buildings in their pictures, what these imagined buildings did for the paintings, and what technical means were employed by painters to construct fictive architecture> It will also consider how painted architecture created sacrality within the image and what role architecture played in the definition of time and place within visual narratives of the Virgin Mary>

We are looking for a highly promising student who will relish the opportunity of combining academic research on this topic with involvement with a leading national museum. The successful candidate will meet the AHRC's criteria for eligibility, including residency criteria (the full award is generally only available to UK applicants) and be able to demonstrate the potential to develop advanced research skills. The award pays tuition fees and a maintenance grant each year (£14,090 in 2011-12) for a maximum of three years of full-time doctoral study, subject to evidence of satisfactory progress.

For any related questions please contact Dr Amanda Lillie, Department of History of Art, University of York, York, YO10 5DD (amanda.lillie@york.ac.uk). Further information and application details can be found at www.york.ac.uk/history-of-art/prospective-students/postgraduate/funding/. Funding applications should be sent as hard copies in the first instance; the successful applicant will be required to make a formal programme application via the University of York's online application system in due course. When applying, please make it clear you are applying for the collaborative doctoral award with the National Gallery, London.

Closing date for applications: 17 June 2011.