Monika Dachs-Nickel

Associate Professor Monika Dachs-Nickel is a distinguished scholar in the Department of Art History at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies. With a career spanning over three decades at the university, she has established herself as a leading expert on Austrian Baroque painting, particularly the work of Franz Anton Maulbertsch, as well as Italian medieval and Renaissance art.

Her academic journey began with positions as Student assistant (1982-1986), Research assistant (1986-1998), Assistant professor (1998-2004), and finally Associate professor (since 2004). She completed her Habilitation in 2004 with the thesis "Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796). Studies on Viennese Painting in the Second Half of the 19th Century." Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards including the Charlotte-Bühler Habilitation Scholarship (FWF) from 1995-1997.

Professor Dachs-Nickel's research focuses on three primary areas: Italian Painting and Drawing of the Late Medieval Period, Drawing and printing of the Modern Period, and Austrian Baroque Painting. Her work often examines the intersection of artistic technique, workshop practices, and cultural context, with particular attention to attribution problems and the transmission of artistic ideas across Central Europe during the 18th century.

Her recent publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output with a focus on Baroque frescoes, workshop organization, and the role of print sources in painting composition. She has made significant contributions to understanding how artistic ideas circulated across the Habsburg territories and beyond.

• Charlotte-Bühler Habilitation Scholarship (FWF) 1995-1997
• Research scholarship for studying abroad from University of Vienna 1990/91
• Scholarship at Kunsthistorische Institut in Florence 1991/92

As an educator, Professor Dachs-Nickel has supervised dozens of Master's theses and Dissertations from 2003 to at least 2019. Her teaching covers European Painting of the Medieval and Modern Period, Drawing and Sculpture of the Medieval Period, and Austrian Baroque Painting. She has served in various administrative roles including conducting university entrance exams (2000-2010) and as Vice Head of Study Programs (2004-2011, 2012/13). Professor Dachs-Nickel has made significant contributions to major exhibitions including "Paul Troger und Altenburg" (2012), "Maulbertsch! Junger Meister – Altes Testament" (2011), and "Franz Anton Maulbertsch. Ein Mann von Genie" (2009/10), where she provided scholarly expertise, catalog entries, and concept development.