The Navez Project (2023–2027) is an FWO-funded research initiative conducted in collaboration between Ghent University (UGhent – Prof. Dr. Julie M. Birkholz) and KBR. It focuses on the networks and social capital of the neoclassical painter François-Joseph Navez (1787–1869). The project combines methods from art history with tools from the digital humanities to better understand the scope of his network – and, for example, who Navez turned to in order to find the best paintbrushes.
To do this, a multi-step methodology and workflow have been developed. These include the digitisation and analysis of Navez’s correspondence, preserved notably at KBR; the use of a computational framework to transform handwritten text into digital text (HTR); and the application of natural language processing (NLP) techniques to uncover the complexity of his social networks.
The many facets of this project offer ample opportunity for young researchers to get involved.
Who is François-Joseph Navez
François-Joseph Navez (1787–1869) was one of the most influential Belgian neoclassical artists. Trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, he honed his technique in the studio of Jacques-Louis David in Paris (1813–1816), before embarking on a long study trip to Rome (1817–1822) – an enduring source of inspiration for the rest of his career.
His historical scenes, depictions of Italy, and portraits demonstrate both technical mastery and strong social intelligence. Upon his return from Italy, Navez taught at his alma mater, eventually becoming its director, in a Belgium that – like his art – was undergoing significant transformation. In his studio on Rue Royale in Brussels, he trained future artists – both men and women. His works can be seen at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Museum of Fine Arts in Charleroi, among others.
Young researchers
Over the past months, no fewer than 15 interns have taken part in the Navez Project: a rich experience combining archival research, heritage outreach, and digital methods. At the heart of the project lies an impressive collection of over 2,000 letters addressed to François-Joseph Navez.
Some students experimented with tools to semi-automatically transcribe 19th-century manuscripts and assessed which software was best suited to this complex task. Others explored the possibilities and limitations of large language models (LLMs).
In the summer of 2024, a group of historians carefully reviewed the automatically transcribed letters. Together, they created a validated corpus, which will greatly facilitate the next steps in the process.
The interns also tackled other aspects of the project: case studies of specific correspondences, searches for unknown letters in French and Italian databases, digitisation of archives using a scanning tent, analysis of the album amicorum belonging to Navez’s daughter, and even the launch of a pilot project on salon catalogues.
Photo: Intern Marie working on the album amicorum of Marie Hélène Navez (1828–1855), the daughter of the painter François-Joseph Navez.
For the Navez Project team, an internship is more than just supervision – it’s an exchange. Students gain hands-on experience, and the project benefits from fresh ideas, relevant questions, and concrete results.
And what about the interns’ experience?
Nicole discovered the flamboyant style of the artist J. Beauvoir while rereading letters. Paula transformed historical texts into usable datasets using tools like Transkribus and ELABA. Lusine contributed to the development of a naming system and enhanced image quality in the Transkribus tent. Iris even found a letter from Navez in her native Tuscan town. Camille enthusiastically delved into historical newspapers via BelgicaPress, searching for mentions of Navez.
All of them had the chance to explore the behind-the-scenes work at KBR. For Prince, who tested HTR tools, the visit to the restoration and digitisation departments was a highlight:
It gave me a new respect for the patient work that precedes digital accessibility – Prince (HTR support)
What united them all was a shared curiosity for how 19th-century data can come to life through today’s methods.
This experience deepened my appreciation for how technology can preserve cultural heritage and underscored the importance of accessible, well-organized archives for future scholarship. – Lusine (What united them all was a shared curiosity for how 19th-century data can come to life through today’s methods.)
Meanwhile, the project is gaining momentum: new interns are testing tools, refining methods, and further advancing research into the network and social capital of artist François-Joseph Navez.
Photo: Intern Paula helping to put up our poster at the DH Benelux 2024 conference in Leuven.
Want to know more about the Navez-Project? Contact Fien Messens (Svra.Zrffraf@htrag.or) and Prof. dr. Julie M. Birkholz (Whyvr.Ovexubym@xoe.or).