Charlotte Matter

The SNSF project Modern Painting and the Lesbian Gaze: Queer Women Artists in Europe, 1900–1950 offers a full-time doctoral position at the University of Basel's Institute of Art History (Departement of Arts, Media, Philosophy). Led by Prof. Dr. Charlotte Matter, the project critically examines the overlooked contributions of queer women artists to modern painting in the first half of the twentieth century. It challenges dominant frameworks in art history, such as the male and heterosexual gaze, by proposing the 'lesbian gaze' as a methodological provocation. The research brings together feminist and queer approaches to reposition women painters within queer art history, adopting an intersectional perspective that highlights the significance of class, artistic production conditions, thematic concerns, and the circulation of artworks. The project is grounded in rigorous art-historical analysis and focuses on painting—a medium with entrenched gendered hierarchies that has been critically reassessed by feminist scholars. It explores how queer women artists negotiated, subverted, or reappropriated these conventions. The term 'women' is used inclusively, acknowledging a spectrum of gender experiences, some of which may not have been publicly articulated during the period under study. 'Queer women' refers to individuals who transgressed dominant heteronormative frameworks and lived or contemplated non-normative sexualities and gender identities. Case studies will be conducted by the project leader and two doctoral researchers, accompanied by scholarly activities such as a reading group, international workshops, and an open-access co-edited volume. The project leader focuses on Irène Zurkinden and Leonor Fini, while one doctoral researcher examines Émilie Charmy. The advertised position invites a second doctoral researcher to investigate one or several further queer women painters working in Europe between 1900 and 1950. Suggested case studies include Jeanne Mammen, Gertrude Sandmann, Lotte Laserstein, Anita Clara Rée, Gluck, Gwen John, Patricia Preece and Dorothy Hepworth, Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietilä, Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe, and Jeanna Bauck and Bertha Wegmann. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment, participate in collaborative scholarly activities, and contribute to advancing methodological approaches in queer art history. The position is funded for 3.5 years by the SNSF project. Applicants should have a strong academic background in art history or a related field, with demonstrated interest in feminist, queer, and intersectional approaches. Experience with twentieth-century European art and painting is desirable. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for doctoral studies at the University of Basel. Applications should be submitted via the University of Basel's online portal. Please prepare a research proposal related to queer women painters in Europe, 1900–1950, and include your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience. For further information, contact the project leader.

The University of Basel's Institute of Art History, within the Department of Arts, Media, Philosophy, is offering a full-time PhD position as part of the SNSF-funded project "Modern Painting and the Lesbian Gaze: Queer Women Artists in Europe, 1900–1950." Led by Prof. Dr. Charlotte Matter, Laurenz Assistant Professor of Contemporary Art, this project critically re-examines the role of queer women artists in twentieth-century European painting. The research aims to challenge dominant frameworks in art history, such as the male and heterosexual gaze, by proposing the 'lesbian gaze' as a methodological tool. The project integrates feminist and queer approaches, foregrounding intersectionality and the significance of class in artistic production, thematic concerns, and the circulation of artworks. Applicants are invited to develop a dissertation focusing on one or several queer women painters active in Europe between 1900 and 1950. Suggested case studies include Jeanne Mammen, Gertrude Sandmann, Lotte Laserstein, Anita Clara Rée, Gluck, Gwen John, Patricia Preece and Dorothy Hepworth, Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietilä, Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe, and Jeanna Bauck and Bertha Wegmann. The project encourages innovative research that is mindful of a spectrum of gender experiences and non-normative sexualities, reflecting on terminology and advancing methodological approaches in art history. The successful candidate will participate in scholarly activities such as a reading group, international workshops, and the co-editing of an open-access volume. The position offers academic mentoring, collaboration within a team interested in queer feminist art history, and access to excellent libraries and a vibrant museum scene in Basel. Funding includes a 100% doctoral salary for 3.5 years, support for research trips and conference attendance, and the possibility to join the doctoral program of eikones, Center of the Theory and History of the Image. Applicants must hold an above-average master's degree in art history or a related field, demonstrate familiarity with queer and/or feminist art history, and show interest in modern painting, art historical methods, queer/lesbian/trans theory, and class. Proficiency in English is required (project activities are conducted in English), and the dissertation may be written in German, English, or French. Strong writing, editorial, and analytical skills, as well as a collaborative mindset, are essential. The University of Basel values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF via the online portal by 20 May 2026, including a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, contact details for two references, project description (with research questions, state of the art, theoretical/methodological approaches, and relevant literature), and a writing sample. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Charlotte Matter at [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 31 May 2026, with online interviews scheduled for 10 June 2026. The position starts on 1 July 2026 or by mutual agreement and runs until 30 January 2030 at the latest.

Call for applications for a PhD position at the University of Basel in the SNSF-funded project “Modern Painting and the Lesbian Gaze: Queer Women Artists in Europe, 1900–1950” . The project is situated in art history and engages with queer theory , feminist theory , and intersectional approaches to modern European painting. The successful candidate will develop an independent PhD project on queer women painters in Europe (1900–1950) , with possible case studies including Jeanne Mammen, Lotte Laserstein, Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe, Gwen John, Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietilä, or another flexible topic aligned with the project. The research focus includes gender and sexuality in art, class and artistic production, and alternative narratives in modern painting. The PhD researcher will conduct independent research and participate in reading groups, workshops, conferences, collaborative publications, and an international research team. The position is based in Basel, Switzerland, and starts in July 2026 or by agreement. Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in Art History or a related field , knowledge of queer and/or feminist theory, strong academic writing and analytical skills, and proficiency in English. Interest in modern art (1900–1950), familiarity with intersectional approaches, and collaborative skills are valued. Funding: the position is fully funded for 3.5 years at 100% salary , with additional research funding for travel and conferences. The post also mentions participation in the eikones doctoral program and access to Basel’s libraries and museum scene. Application deadline: 20 May 2026 . Applicants must submit one PDF containing a cover letter (1 page), CV, degree certificates, two referees, a research proposal (max. 5 pages plus bibliography), and a writing sample (max. 20 pages).