Deadline: 15-Nov-2025
The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship supports research on drawings, prints, and illustrated manuscripts from the Italian Renaissance, and especially the role that these works played in the creative process, the history of taste and collecting, and questions of connoisseurship.
Proposals on a variety of subjects with a substantive component of research on drawings, prints, and illustrated manuscripts done on paper or parchment types are welcome.
I Tatti offers Fellows the precious time they need to pursue their studies with a minimum of obligations and interruptions together with a maximum of scholarly resources—a combination that distinguishes the Harvard Center from similar institutions. Each year, a limited number of activities organized at I Tatti are reserved for the Fellows, and they are expected to join the wider community at conferences, lectures, and concerts. This is a residential fellowship of 4 or 6 months in length. One fellowship is available every year.
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. The proposed research project may represent a segment of a larger project. Applicants must be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian. Priority will be given to early and mid-career scholars. It must be possible for applicants to carry out most of their research in Florence. I Tatti welcomes applications from scholars from all nations and gives special consideration to candidates without regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy. Applications are evaluated by international scholars. The selection committee aims to assess the ability of candidates to contribute in a collegial way to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center. It pays special attention to the strength of the proposed project and its potential to yield original results, and to the candidate’s curriculum vitae.
Short-term Fellowships at I Tatti can be held only once and cannot be deferred. They are intended for scholars who have not previously held appointments at I Tatti, with the exception of Graduate Fellows.
The grant is USD 5,200 per month, plus a one-time supplement of up to USD 1,800 towards relocation expenses. Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at the center. When possible, an apartment will be made available rent-free, with utility charges, or alternatively, a housing subsidy will be offered. Applicants can choose between fall (September through December) and winter-spring (January through June). Fellows enjoy the privileges of the Harvard Center, including access to the Biblioteca Berenson and lunch with other Appointees. While they will not have private offices, they will be given desks or carrels in the Library. Fellows cannot hold other positions or awards during the fellowship period.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining visas, residence permits, and health coverage, including for family members if applicable. Applications must be written in English or Italian and submitted electronically by midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on November 15, 2025. Scholars may apply for only one fellowship type at I Tatti per academic year.
Applicants must arrange for two scholars who know their work well to submit recommendations online by November 20, 2025. Letters may be in English or Italian, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure referees are informed of project details and deadlines.
For more information, visit I Tatti.
