Complex Networks in Art Research - Exemplary Proofs of Concept

• Applicant: Dr. Maximilian Schich
• Subject Area: Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies ; Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology ; Art History
• Term: from 2008 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 98915558

In the last 60 years, art research and archaeology have produced a number oflarge datasets that can be used to create an entirely new big picture, which isindependent from predefined concepts such äs the traditional denominations ofperiods or too specialized research. Key phenomena and methods in thesedatasets, such äs the development of thematic canons, .the genesis of motifs(Memnosyne), or (iconographic) classification, can be imagined äs complexnetworks. As such, these networks are inscribed into an even largermultipartite and multivariate network, containing objects, people, locations,time ranges, and combinations of these dimensions. The exemplary investigationof relevant properties and dynamics of these networks consciously combinesnatural science methods with art historical expertise, relying on activecollaboration with physicists, social scientists, System biologists, etc. -Concrete objects of inquiry is a selection of libarary, research, and imagedatabases äs found in archaeology and art history, made accessible by providerssuch äs Bibliotheca Hertziana in Rome and Stiftung Archäologie in Munich. Themain goal for art research is a micro äs well äs macroscopic mapping ofsubjects and areas in the related disciplines. Furthermore, an evaluation basefor arts and humanities database projects is provided by newly developedmethods of scientific analysis. Beyond that, the study is a model case forsimilar investigations in the growing Giant Global Graph of the Semantic Web.The project began upon invitation by Prof. Albert-Läszlo Barabdsi and is/wasfunded with a DFG Research Fellowship from April 2009 to March 2012. It formsthe base of an independent research group, which aims to propel forward thenewly created branch of research.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Albert-László Barabási, Ph.D.