MATERIAL DIPLOMACY – visual and archival research by
@work.prj and
@aaaugusteee .
How do cultural, religious, political histories materialise in the objects gifted to the Vatican? How do these objects mediate moments of conflict, transition, or instability?
This project investigates the material dimension of diplomacy through the study of gifts exchanged with the Holy See. Conducted through on‑site research at the Vatican in early 2026, the work combines visits to the Vatican Museums and Apostolic Library with interviews with curators and ambassadors. It traces how objects, ranging from everyday artefacts to national symbols, embody negotiations of power, belief, and identity.
The project will be presented in a Research Night at
@nieuweinstituut on April 16th, 2026.
Heartfelt thank you to
@delanyboutkan and
@nieuweinstituut
@stimuleringsfonds
@vaticanmuseums @bibliotecaapostolicavaticana
Embassy of the Netherlands to the Holy See
Embassy of Lithuania to the Holy See
