Rachel Coombes

Dr Rachel Coombes serves as a Graham Robertson Research Fellow at Downing College, University of Cambridge, specializing in History of Art with a focus on late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century French visual and musical culture. Her interdisciplinary work examines intersections of artistic practice with religion, politics, and collective memory.

Educational background:

• DipABRSM (Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
• MA
• PhD

Research Interests:
Dr Coombes investigates how visual arts and music intertwine within French cultural memory, particularly through Symbolist movements and Catholic traditions. Her work analyzes allegorical representations of cultural heritage, theatricality in domestic spaces, and the embodiment of sound in visual media. Key methodological approaches include iconographic analysis and socio-political contextualization of artistic production.

Publication Trends:
Her 2021-2024 publications reveal consistent specialization in French fin-de-siècle and early modernist art, with recurring focus on Maurice Denis and Pierre Bonnard. Articles demonstrate evolving attention to material culture (pochoir prints, fashion), religious symbolism in musical iconography, and institutional frameworks like the National Gallery. Work appears primarily in art history and music iconography journals with increasing interdisciplinary scope.

Awards and Honors:

• Graham Robertson Research Fellowship

Advising and Grants:
No current doctoral students or grant funding details are publicly documented. Her Keeper of the Gallery role suggests curatorial responsibilities potentially involving collection-based research initiatives.

Labs and Teams:
No dedicated laboratory or research team affiliations are specified, though her position implies integration within Downing College's academic community and University of Cambridge's History of Art faculty networks.