The Theodore Rousseau Fellowship supports scholars whose projects require travel for close study of painting collections in Europe. This is the only fellowship that does not require residency at The Met. The structure of the fellowship encourages broad connections with European institutions, allowing fellows to engage with works of art, archives, and scholarly communities beyond The Met. Applicants should propose a specific, independent research project that relates to The Met collection, while pursuing complementary research in European paintings collections. Their research need not be entirely focused on European art; however, it should deeply engage with collections of paintings in Europe. PhD candidates through senior postdoctoral scholars are eligible to apply. Junior fellowships are awarded to those applicants who are working on their PhD on the application deadline date. Senior fellowships are awarded to those who hold a PhD on the application deadline date and/or are well-established scholars. Applicants who receive their PhD after the application deadline date are not eligible to move into the senior category. All fellows are expected to have valid US work authorization for the entire duration of the fellowship. Applicants must submit a brief schedule of work to be accomplished during the fellowship period. Postdoctoral fellows must specify if they are applying for a term less than one year in length. A brief schedule of travel required during the fellowship period is also required. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation, at least one academic and one professional letter of recommendation. Recommenders may not be current Met staff, contractors, or volunteers. Please visit the fellowship's website for more information.