During my Erasmus exchange at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, I had the opportunity to join the Navez project at KBR. The project immediately intrigued me because of its focus on this Belgian neoclassical painter and the intersection of art history, archival research, and digital humanities. My interest in linguistics and literature made this an exciting opportunity to explore how cultural heritage is studied.
I approached the internship expecting to deepen my understanding of research methodologies and art history. These expectations were more than met as I discovered the meticulous nature of handling historical documents and the thrill of uncovering connections between Navez’s life and work. My tasks included analysing correspondence, cataloguing findings, and contributing to research notes. I enjoyed the intellectual challenge and the responsibility of discovering and interpreting history, while also having the advantage of discovering the artistic masterpieces created by Navez and his network of artists.
“One unforgettable moment was when I discovered a letter by Navez in my hometown in Tuscany. The letter revealed a connection between the artist and Italy, offering a unique glimpse into his personal network and inspirations.”
This find felt profoundly personal, blending my academic journey with my cultural roots and revealing a deeper connection to Italy than I had imagined, extending beyond the well-known cultural hub of Rome.
What made the experience even more rewarding was the positive atmosphere of the team. I particularly appreciated the collaborative and exchange-driven nature of my work with Fien and Julie, whose insights and support enriched my understanding of the material and made the project an enjoyable learning journey.
The internship taught me valuable lessons about the importance of detail-oriented work and the collaborative nature of academic research. On a personal level, it reinforced my appreciation for the personal stories embedded in history and how they can resonate across disciplines and borders.
This experience was not just an academic highlight but also a deeply rewarding journey, blending my love for languages, literature, and cultural exploration. It further affirmed my passion for research and my desire to pursue a Ph.D., where I hope to contribute to similar interdisciplinary projects.