The 2007 Winner

Renzo Baldasso on Erhard Ratdolt

The 2007 Fellowship was held by Renzo Baldasso. His proposal entitled, “Erhard Ratdolt and the Visual Dimension of Early Printed Books” seeks to establish how graphic representations by Ratdolt and other 15th century printers shaped new reading habits as well as the approach of readers to texts.

Renzo Baldasso is currently a PhD candidate at Columbia University in the Department of Art History. He has published numerous articles, conference papers, and reviews focusing on early scientific illustrations and diagrams.

The Committee found this project compelling in that Baldasso aims to “[reconsider] the pioneering efforts and achievements of early printers that defined the visuality of the printed book, setting it apart from that of illuminated manuscripts and hand-finished printed books.” Baldasso’s education in science, history of science and art history makes for an interesting background and promises informed scholarship. He will use the Fellowship award for a one month residency in Washington, DC, to conduct research at local repositories.