University of Richmond art professor awarded grant to research 16th century artist's service to the Roman Catholic Church

May 22, 2008

Elena Calvillo, assistant professor of art and art history at the University of Richmond, has been awarded a Franklin Research Grant from the American Philosophical Society to research the career of Croatian miniaturist Giulio Clovio. Her work will contribute to a manuscript about artists who served the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.

The $5,000 grant will enable Calvillo to travel to Rome for up to two months this fall and conduct research. The manuscript will be completed by summer 2009.

Calvillo's research examines the benefits and obligations of artists such as Clovio, supported by patrons within the Roman Catholic Church to visually represent church doctrine at a time when its authority was challenged by the reformation. In exchange, some of the artists became members of the cardinals' households and were given steady jobs.

"The years following Martin Luther's break from Rome necessitated that the Catholic Church defend itself," Calvillo said. "My research is mostly about how artists functioned within the institutions of the church during this period, especially in the cardinal's household."

APS was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin to promote knowledge in the sciences and humanities through research, professional meetings, publications, library resources and community outreach. Franklin Research Grants provide funds for travel to libraries and archives.