Lost in digitalization? Using data as a source for quantitative art history

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Abstract

Panel that will be held at the DHBenelux 2026 conference. Abstract: The rapid advancements of data methods and technologies, coupled with the increasing availability of data from museums, researchers, and art-related institutions, open new avenues for applying data analysis to the field of art history. Nevertheless, art historical data are complex artifacts, whose selection reflects the interests of current and past art collectors and curators, and which often rely on uncertain, interpretative, and incomplete information. Furthermore, only a limited part of such data had been digitalized. In this context, the open question is how it is possible to conduct faithful and relevant quantitative analyses in the art history sector, given these limits and challenges. This panel aims to address this issue with speakers from an art historical, technical, or mixed background to discuss which adaptations are needed from statistics, biology, and data science to conduct quantitative analyses that are meaningful to advance art historical knowledge.

Authors 6

1. Sofia Baroncini

   Leibniz Institute of European History

   Affiliation as printed

   Leibniz Institute of European History (IEG) | DH Lab

2. Thorsten Wübbena

   Leibniz Institute of European History

   Affiliation as printed

   Leibniz Institute of European History

3. Bárbara Romero Ferrón

   Leuphana University of Lüneburg · Universidad de Málaga

   Affiliation as printed

   Leuphana University of Lüneburg

   Universidad de Málaga

4. Angela Dreßen

   Harvard University

   Affiliation as printed

   Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies

5. Weixuan Li Aachen

   Leiden University · Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences · University of Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Amsterdam

   Leiden University

   Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

6. Folgert Karsdorp

   Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences