As part of Kent's celebrations of 20 years in Europe we spoke to Kostas Gravanis who studied for his Master’s degree at the University’s Rome Centre and is now undertaking a PhD from the School of Arts.
What attracted you to study your course in Rome?
It was the love for Italian Renaissance art and, especially, my passion for Raphael’s frescoes in the Vatican Palace. When I first found out that the University of Kent offers a Master’s program in History of Art with a term in Rome the decision was instant. No better place for Renaissance and Raphael than the Eternal City! The next goal was to undertake a PhD on Raphael’s paintings in the Vatican. The dream came true giving me the opportunity to further visit Rome and study these works on-site.
What was the course like and what do you do?
I am currently researching the iconography of Raphael’s Stanze, a sequence of four reception rooms in the Vatican Palace. ‘Iconographic’ research is the investigation of an artwork’s meaning within its historical context (history of the commission, agents involved, political agendas, intellectual backgrounds, artistic trends, social norms, thematic sources, the function of room and imagery). One of the original aspects of my research is the conception of the four rooms as a thematic entity and as parts of a larger symbolic structure. I also aim to demonstrate that iconographic methods of interpreting the Stanze are inextricably related with analyses of Raphael’s stylistic innovations.
What were some highlights from studying/living in Rome?
Rome is an extremely lively city with overwhelming history and culture waiting for you in every street and every corner. The greatest highlight was certainly my first visit to Raphael’s Stanze and the Sistine Chapel, a truly unmatched experience. I also recall the visits to the Sala di Costantino’s restoration project, the yearly event at the British Ambassador’s residence, excursions to Tuscany and Umbria, bicycle rides on the Via Appia Antica, evening strolls in Trastevere – the list can go on!
What advice would you give to other students thinking of studying in Rome?
That this is a worthwhile, lifetime experience of great benefit. The University’s site is located in a very beautiful area, students are fully supported and most of the teaching takes place on-site. At the same time students are autonomous to research their topics and explore a city abundant of cultural treasures. The only problem with choosing Rome for studying and living is that in the end you probably want to stay more. Just can’t have enough.
You’ve just been offered an internship at the Vatican Museums for six months – what are you hoping to do during that time?
I am hoping to gain significant working experience and knowledge by getting involved in different projects that are both related and unrelated to my area of study. It would be a great privilege, for example, to participate in the restoration project of the Sala di Costantino’s frescoes or to conduct bibliographic research around Raphael’s Stanze. Even more importantly, during this internship I will be able to continue my PhD research by studying the iconography of the Stanze at first hand and consulting with field experts about a number of relevant issues.
How was being selected for a Research Postgraduate Scholarship helped your studies?
The Alumni Postgraduate Research Scholarship enabled me to undertake the PhD of my dreams as a full-time program. It not only helped me to fully focus on my research but it also gave me the opportunity to pursuit parallel activities and gain teaching experience. Receiving such an award fills you with both pride and humbleness, but it also creates a sense of responsibility towards the University’s donors for producing innovative research outcomes of the highest quality.