The Winter School is anchored by a series of object-focused case studies drawn mainly from the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. These sessions highlight the varied ways of gathering information about the material past, allowing us to ask more profound questions about the circumstances of objects’ production and use, and in turn about the persons who made and used them. Participants will also be introduced to the use of several advanced analytical techniques. Demonstrations will be given by the scientists operating the apparatus, so that the participants can gain first-hand information about the principles and, perhaps more importantly, the possibilities and limitations of technical analysis.

Just as important is a study of the ways museums mobilize and present objects as part of their public mission. Object sessions are thus complemented by an interactive program of seminars, lectures, and practical assignments highlighting the possibilities, challenges and limitations of exhibiting cultural history in museums. Each day will end with a discussion led by two of the students. Excursions to other museums and institutions form part of the programme.

Key themes will include:

• Reading the object
• Biography of the object
• Objects as evidence
• Damage or decay
• Issues of authenticity
• Reconstructing the object
• Meaning through display
• Reimagining the object
• Thinking of the future

Participants will emerge from the Winter School with enhanced tools and perspectives for conducting innovative object-based research, and for using museum objects as historical evidence. For this School, the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam collaborate under the flag of the Netherlands Institute for Conservation+Art+Science+ (NICAS), of which they are founding partners.