Lothar Sickel

Dr. Lothar Sickel is a Research Associate at the Bibliotheca Hertziana (Max Planck Institute for Art History) in Rome, specializing in Italian art history from the 15th to 19th centuries. He has been a permanent researcher since 2007 in Department I, focusing on early modern painting and visual arts. His responsibilities include managing the institute's archives and leading annual archival research courses since 2008.

Education:

• PhD in Art History, University of Hamburg (1999)
• MA in Art History, Philosophy, and Sociology, University of Hamburg (1989–1994)
• Diploma in Graphic Design, Hannover University of Applied Sciences (1985–1988)

Research Focus: Sickel investigates social contexts of Roman art, Renaissance/Baroque iconography (Michelangelo, Caravaggio), and the history of art collections. His current project explores Caribbean-Italian artistic connections through the figure of Francesco Cadet. Key methodologies include archival analysis of previously undiscovered primary sources.

Fellowships & Grants:

• Max Planck Society Fellowship (2002–2003)
• Fritz Thyssen Foundation Fellowship (2004)
• DFG-funded research on the Cesarini family art collection (2005–2007)