Laurence Herfs at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
In the summer of 2014, Laurence Herfs' CHIP placement took place at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
鈥淚n the summer of 2014, I had the opportunity to do a two-month internship at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. There I encountered a team of dedicated researchers, curators and conservators who all devote their time to the preservation and representation of Vincent van Gogh鈥檚 heritage. I was primarily asked to help in the 鈥楾CAP-research project鈥, a project focused on the use of X-ray information on canvas-weavings to extricate information on dating and sequencing. My task was to set up a protocol of conduct for this project. However, I was also asked to help out with archiving, dating, and conducting archival research for several other ongoing research projects.
Much as I wanted to help the Van Gogh team out, they were extremely eager to show me all the facets of the museum, taking me into the restoration atelier and collection depot, into team meetings, allowing me to meet visiting curators from abroad, to attend a national curator-debate, and lecturing me on Van Gogh, his heritage and their collection. This rich behind-the-scenes experience provided excellent insight into the connections between art history, scientific research, museums and heritage.鈥
Class of 2015, HUM Major