The Thaw Colloquium on Connoisseurship is a biennial program designed to encourage the close examination and evaluation of the visual and material aspects of works of art on paper. Intended for early-to-mid career curators, curatorial research fellows, and paper conservators, the Colloquium consists of a three-day seminar at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, led by its curatorial and conservation staff. It focuses on the Gallery’s collection of more than 120,000 prints and drawings. The Colloquium is generously funded by the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust.

This year, the Thaw Colloquium takes place from 18 to 20 November and will address topics that relate to both prints and drawings from the fifteenth century to the present day. Topics to be considered will include: identification of materials, techniques, and process; intention and function; interpretation of condition; priorities for research and treatment; and strategies for acquisition. Further discussion will address methods of evaluating works in light of planning collection reinstallations and implementing new strategic collecting plans; the role of connoisseurship in the stewardship of collections; and recognizing how historical assumptions and biases affect curatorial responsibilities and decisions. This Colloquium is intended to be an interactive workshop that welcomes a variety of viewpoints and participants’ active participation.

Funding from the Thaw Trust will allow the National Gallery of Art to cover the cost of participants’ travel to Washington, accommodations, and select meals.

Requirements: Participants will have a demonstrated commitment to prints and drawings, including at least two years of curatorial and/or conservation experience with works on paper and advanced academic study concerning the graphic arts. Consideration will be given to applicants who have not had an opportunity to participate in similar training programs. Applications from curatorial and conservation candidates affiliated with institutions that do not offer wide-ranging resources for the technical study of works on paper are especially encouraged.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae and letter indicating areas of interest or projects in progress; experience with works on paper collections; a list of training programs and/or workshops attended; and expectation of outcomes from this program by 1 July 2025, to:

Thaw Colloquium Coordinator
Division of Prints and Drawings
National Gallery of Art
connoisseurship@nga.gov

Applicants selected to participate will be notified of their acceptance to the 2025 Thaw Colloquium on Connoisseurship in early August 2025.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the training position without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other protected status. The National Gallery offers equal opportunity and treatment to all who apply.