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Sheila Bonde

Dean of the Graduate School and Professor:
Archaeology, and History of Art and Architecture
Phone: +1 401 863 7799
Phone 2: +1 401 863 3134
Sheila_Bonde@Brown.EDU

Sheila Bonde's research combines archaeology, architectural history, spatial analysis and digital humanities. She is co-director of the MonArch (Monastic Archaeology) research team that focuses on three monasteries in northern France: Saint-Jean-des-Vignes in Soissons, Notre Dame d'Ourscamp and the Carthusian monastery at Bourgfontaine. This project involves excavation, study of surviving architecture and texts, and digital reconstruction and representation.

Biography

Sheila Bonde is an archaeologist and architectural historian specializing in the study of medieval sites and their representation. She received her B.A. from Cornell University in 1975 and her A.M. and PhD degrees from Harvard in 1976 and 1982 respectively. She taught at Reed College before coming to Brown where she is currently Dean of the Graduate School, Professor of the History of Art and Architecture, and Professor of Archaeology. She has served as a visiting professor at the Université Paris I (Sorbonne). She has excavated in England, France and Israel, and currently directs excavations at Saint-Jean-des-Vignes in Soissons and Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp, both in northern France.

Interests

Shiela Bonde's research brings together the approaches of archaeology, history, architectural history and spatial analysis. Her work has since 1982 involved the ongoing excavation of the abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes in Soissons, France, and broader comparative work on the medieval monasteries of Ourscamp and Bourgfontaine. Her research considers not only the buildings of these monasteries, but also their landed domains, hydraulic resources and interactions with the larger urban and rural landscape. She has also published on the role of the individual within the monastic corporation, with early modern monasticism, and on the interactions between liturgy and architecture. She has worked extensively with computer graphic solutions for archaeological recording and architectural reconstructions, and with text encoding of monastic texts to create searchable databases for research.

She has also studied the reuse and reoccupation of Roman architecture in southern France during the Middle Ages. Her work aims to change past approaches to classical revival not only by including architecture more centrally, but by considering more fully the importance of the site itself. It also considers more critically issues of art historical theory as they relate to classicism and the medieval uses of the past. One aspect of this research, an examination of the female monastic community of Saint-Sauveur-de-la-Font, installed in the Roman 'temple of Diana,' has appeared in print.

Degrees

Ph.D., Harvard University, 1982

Awards

AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS

National Grants and Awards:

-National Endowment for the Humanities, Collaborative grant, P.I., 2004-2006
"The Virtual Monastery: Integrating Archaeology, Architecture and Text
at Saint-Jean-des-Vignes"

-Distinguished Lecturer, ICMA, 2000-2002

-National Endowment for the Humanities, fellow, 1994-95

-George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation, fellow, 1994-95

-Andrew W. Mellon "Fresh Combinations" grant, 1992/93, (support for departmental symposium on New Approaches to Landscape)

-Fulbright Scholar, (France and Turkey) 1989-1990

-Archaeological Institute of America, featured lecturer, 1989-90

-Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowships, 1988, 1989, 1990

-Princeton University, Department of Civil Engineering, Visiting Fellow, summers 1988, 1989

-National Endowment for the Arts grant for exhibition and catalogue, Survival of the Gods: Classical Mythology in the Middle Ages, David Winton Bell Gallery, Brown University, 1986-1987

-National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow, Summer Institute on the Technology of Historic Architecture, Princeton University, 1986

-Jens Aubrey Westengard Fellowship, 1977

-Hirsch Scholarship for Archaeological Fieldwork, 1975

Teaching Awards:

-Royce Family Professorship in Teaching Excellence, 2004-2007

-Harriet W. Sheridan Award for Distinguished Contribution to Teaching and
Learning, Brown University, 2002

-Henry Merritt Wriston Fellowship (Junior Faculty award for excellence in research
and teaching), 1987

-Danforth Award for Excellence in Teaching, Harvard University, 1982

National and International Grants and Awards to Support Excavation and Research at Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, Soissons:

-Ministère de la Culture et la Commission des Monuments Historiques, France, research grant, 1999-2001

-Conseil général de l'Aisne, research grants, 1998, 1999

-Rakow grant, Corning Museum of Glass, 1999 (grant to Robert Brill and
Patricia Pongracz) for analysis of excavated stained glass from Saint-Jean-des-Vignes)

-Ville de Soissons, research grants, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

-Ministère de la Culture, Direction des Antiquités historiques, excavation and
research grants, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997 (declined), 1998, 2002, 2004
-Center for Field Research, Earthwatch Foundation, excavation grants, 1987, 1989, 1990 Médaille d'Honneur, Ville de Soissons, 1987

Brown University internal grants:

-OVPR Seed Grant, Mapping Monasticism, 2008-09

-Scholarly Technology Group, Faculty Grant (for internet and graphic development),
2001-2002

-Group Research Project Grant to support the teaching of a research seminar
connected to Saint-Jean, 2001-2002

-UTRA group grant, 2004, "The Medieval Monastery," collaborative student research on
Augustinian monasticism and medieval chapter books

-UTRA grants, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001 to support collaborative student research at
Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, Soissons

-Watson Institute grant (for Glimpses of Grandeur: Courtly Arts of the Later
Islamic Empires, exhibition catalogue), 1999

-Richard Salomon Grant (New Approaches to Recording a Medieval Monastery), 1998-2002

-Wriston Grant to support research on Medieval Iberia, 1998-1999 (with Professor M. Vaquero)

Curriculum Development Grants:

-HA 191: Water and Architecture, 1997;

-UC 62: Medieval Iberia, 1999 (with Professor M. Vaquero)

-Wayland Collegium, 1996-97, grant to support research on Medieval Iberia (with Profs. A. Remensnyder, S. Slymovics and M. Vaquero)

Affiliations

Professional Memberships and Service:

-Council of Graduate Schools, Board of Directors, 2008-2011; Chair-elect, 2009-2010, Chair 2010-2011.

-Association of Graduate Schools, Board of Directors,, 2009-2011.

-Archaeological Institute of America (AIA Narragansett chapter, vice-president, 1996-1997)

-Brepols Press, Disciplina monastica series: Studies on medieval monastic life/
Etudes sur la vie monastique au Moyen Age, member of Editorial Board, 2002-present.

-College Art Association, 1979-present

-French-American School of Rhode Island, Board of Trustees, 1995-2001

-International Center for Medieval Art (ICMA Advisory Committee, elected member, 1988-1991)

-Medieval Academy of America (member of Publications Advisory Board, 2003-present)

-Société Française d'archéologie

-Société historique et archéologique de Soissons

-Society for American Archaeology

-Society of Architectural Historians

Grant referee:

National Endowment for the Humanities, The Getty Foundation, NY Academy of Science, The Medieval Academy of America Publication Grants, Earthwatch Europe Foundation, George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation

Reviewer:

American Journal of Archaeology, CAA (College Art Association) online, Gesta, Speculum

Manuscript referee:

Gesta, Oxford University Press, Pennsylvania State University Press, University of Pennsylvania Press, Medieval Academy Press, Brepols Press

Tenure reviewer:

University of Iowa, Loyola University, New York University, Fordham University

Visiting Committee:

University of Pennsylvania, Department of Art History and Archaeology

Teaching

I teach a range of courses about medieval art, architecture and archaeology, as well as seminars --such as Water and Architecture-- that examine particular research problems across the history of art.

I. Lecture Courses:

HA 1: Introduction to the History of Art and Architecture
This course is designed to introduce students to the history of art, architecture and material culture beginning with cave paintings and ending with contemporary art forms. In addition to examining visual strategies of representation, we will explore the varied ways in which art and architecture reflect and shape social, religious and political concerns.

HA 14: Introduction to Medieval Art and Architecture (formerly HA 45)
A thematic and comparative course, that aims to develop an understanding of the major artistic cultures of the medieval Mediterranean: Islam, the Byzantine empire, Jewish art in the late antique Levant and medieval Europe, and the predominantly Christian regions of western Europe. Class material has been arranged in roughly chronological order, but the emphasis is on synthetic and comparative analysis of artistic traditions. Topics include: the varying responses to past artistic and architectural heritage, medieval attitudes toward the use of images, the art and architecture of worship (monasteries and cathedrals, synagogues and mosques), the ceremonial art of medieval palaces, domestic art and the arts of the medieval book, and instances of cultural contact between and among different groups. Weekly 1-hour section required. Ms. Bonde. UC

HA 40: Early Christian, Jewish and Byzantine Art and Architecture
The course first examines the transformation of Roman artistic heritage in early Christian, Jewish and provincial art of the eastern Mediterranean (2nd through 5th centuries). It will then trace the development of painting, mosaic decoration, luxury arts and architecture in the Byzantine Empire (5th through 15th centuries). Weekly 1-hour section required. Ms. Bonde.

HA 41: Islamic Art and Architecture
The formation of an Islamic artistic expression in art and architecture and the regional manifestations of that art from Central Asia and the Middle East to Sicily and Spain. Weekly 1-hour section required. Ms. Bonde.

HA 42: Early Medieval Art and Romanesque Art and Archiecture
The course begins with the migration of barbarian tribes into the former Roman Empire, and follows the survival and revival of classical and barbarina art forms and the uses of art by the insitutions of feudalism, monarchy and monasticism. Concludes with an examination of Romanesque art of the twelfth century. Weekly 1-hour section required. Ms. Bonde.

HA 44: Gothic Art and Architecture
The course aims to engage critically with the notion of Gothic art and architecture, to examine its sources and 'invention' in mid-twelfth century France, and to explore its varied manifestations in European art to the sixteenth century. Special attention is given to cathedral architecture and decoration. Weekly 1-hour section required. Ms. Bonde.

HA 47/ UC 62: Muslims, Jews and Christians in Medieval Iberia
The cultural diversity of medieval Spain and Portugal is proclaimed by their Christian cathedrals, Moorish palaces, and Jewish synagogues. The three distinct cultures that produced these buildings lived together for centuries in medieval Iberia, sometimes in peace, sometimes not. This convivencia of Jews, Muslims and Christians will be examined from the perspectives of art, architecture, archaeology, history and literature.
Interested students should register for UC 62.


II. Undergraduate Seminars

HA 114: Topics in Medieval Art (formerly HA 145)
Medieval Women and Medieval Art. The course will treat the history of women as the commissioners, creators and subjects of medieval art and architecture. Case studies will be drawn from western Europe, Byzantium and medieval Islam. Weekly seminars will consider, among other topics: feminist perspectives in medieval history and art history; the imaging of women in medieval art; archaeological approaches to gender and the analysis of gendered spaces; the art and architecture of female spirituality; and the representation of identity through the body, costume and dance. Enrollment limited to 25. Optional FLAC French section offered. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde.


Art of the Crusades, 1096-1453. An analysis of the art created for and by the 'Latin' Crusaders, and in the Holy Land. Special attention will be given to questions of patronage, production and cross-cultural influences. Limited to 15. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde.

Medieval Paris. A seminar devoted to the urban development of the city of Paris, from its Roman occupation to the fourteenth century. Art and architecture commissioned for the palaces, monasteries cathedral and university of Paris will be examined in weekly discussion sessions. Written permission required. Optional FLAC French section offered. Ms. Bonde.

HA 140: Topics in Byzantine Art
Byzantium and the West.

(HA 141: Topics in Islamic Art)

HA 142: Topics in Early Medieval Art
Romanesque Sculpture.

HA 144: Topics in Gothic Art


HA 146: Medieval Archaeology
An introduction to the theory and practise of medieval archaeology. We examine the major questions excavations have been designed to answer, and evaluate the research techniques at various sites. Topics include archaeological analysis of medieval ritual, trade and technology. The changing shape of buildings and towns will be traced at selected sites. The course is not necessarily a preparation for fieldwork, but a critical examination of material evidence in its archaeological context.

HA 147: The Medieval Monastery
The seminar examines the medieval and early modern monastery as a research problem. We will examine historical, art historical and archaeological approaches to monasticism.

HA 191: Project Seminar for Architectural Studies Concentrators:
Sec. 01: Water and Architecture
The seminar explores the varied ways in which water is manipulated in architecture and urban planning. We explore several case studies, including Roman aqueducts such as the Pont du Gard, medieval urban and monastic hydraulic systems, Renaissance and early modern garden (and fountain) design, and the local examples of Slater Mill, the Providence water supply and WaterFire. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde.


III. Graduate Seminars:

HA 214: Research Seminar in Medieval Art
Reims in the Middle Ages. The urban development, architecture and patronage of manuscripts, metalwork and sculpture of this royal city from the Merovingian to the Gothic period. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde

HA 214: Research Seminar in Medieval Art
The Afterlife of Antiquity. This course examines the survival and revival of classical art and architecture in the Middle Ages. Discussion will focus on selected case studies drawn from across Europe, and will engage critically with the secondary literature on classical revival. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde

HA 242: Research Seminar in Early Medieval Art
Anglo-Saxon Art. A study of selected issues and objects in Anglo-Saxon sculpture, architecture and book painting. Each week a single monument or problem will form the focus for reading and discussion. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde

HA 244: Research Seminar in Gothic Art
Recent Approaches to the Gothic Cathedral. A critical examination of recent issues in Gothic architecture. Topics will include: the issue of architectural iconography and meaning, authorship, function and the recovery of human action, construction, structure, and new computer technologies for both data research and graphic reconstruction. Written permission required. Ms. Bonde

HA 292: Methods of Art Historical Interpretation
An introduction to the theory and methodology of engaging with images, buildings and material culture. We examine the historiography of art history, theoretical approaches to visual and material culture, and will introduce some of the requisite skills necessary to its practise. Periodic case studies will test the links between theory and practise. Written permission required. Required of First-Year Graduate Students in HAA. Ms. Bonde

Funded Research

FUNDED RESEARCH GRANTS:

"Ethical Awareness in International Collaborations: A Contextual Approach" National Science Foundation, EESE: Ethics Education in Science and Engineering competition' (NSF 08-530), proposal number 0933509, PI, 2009-2011 ($399,00).

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant for the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellows
in the Humanities co-PI, 2009-2011 ($687,000)

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation endowment for the Mellon Graduate Humanities Fellows
Program (graduate fellowships and curricular grants) PI ( $3,000,000)

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant for Dissertation Workshops, PI, 2008-2013 ($568,000)

OVPR Seed Grant, "Mapping Monasticism" PI 2008-09

National Endowment for the Humanities, Collaborative grant, P.I., 2004-2006 "The Virtual Monastery: Integrating Archaeology, Architecture and Text
at Saint-Jean-des-Vignes"

-Richard Salomon Grant (New Approaches to Recording a Medieval Monastery), 1998-2002

-Scholarly Technology Group, Faculty Grant (for internet and graphic development),
2001-2002

-Watson Institute grant (for Glimpses of Grandeur: Courtly Arts of the Later Islamic Empires, exhibition catalogue), 1999

-National Endowment for the Humanities, fellow, 1994-95, grant to support book project, The Afterlife of Antiquity

-Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowships, 1988, 1989, 1990, grant to support research on medieval building technology

-National Endowment for the Arts grant for exhibition and catalogue, Survival of the Gods: Classical Mythology in the Middle Ages, David Winton Bell Gallery, Brown University, 1986-1987

-National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow, Summer Institute on the Technology of Historic Architecture, Princeton University, 1986

FUNDED GRANTS TO SUPPORT RESEARCH AND EXCAVATION AT SAINT-JEAN-DES-VIGNES, SOISSONS:

-Ministère de la Culture et la Commission des Monuments Historiques, France,
research grant, 1999-2001

-Conseil général de l'Aisne, research grants, 1998, 1999

-Rakow grant, Corning Museum of Glass, 1999 (grant to Robert Brill and
Patricia Pongracz) for analysis of excavated stained glass from Saint-Jean-des-Vignes)

-Ville de Soissons, research grants, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

-Ministère de la Culture, Direction des Antiquités historiques, excavation and
research grants, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997 (declined), 1998, 2002, 2004
-Center for Field Research, Earthwatch Foundation, excavation grants, 1987, 1989, 1990
-UTRA group grant, 2004, "The Medieval Monastery," collaborative student research on
Augustinian monasticism and medieval chapter books

-UTRA grants, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001 to support collaborative student research at
Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, Soissons

Web Links

Curriculum Vitae

Download Sheila Bonde's Curriculum Vitae in PDF Format