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Thursday, March 19, 2026
Heidi Strobel sits at the base of a huge statue of Diego Velásquez in front of the Museo del Prado.
Heidi Strobel sits at the base of a prominent bronze statue of painter Diego Velázquez (1599–1660) located directly in front of the main entrance — the Velázquez door — of the Prado Museum in Madrid.

UNT Art History Faculty Brings Research to Global Stage at Museo del Prado

Heidi is facing foward and smiling. She has long wavy brown hair and wears a printed top under a black jacket.
Heidi Strobel, Ph.D., professor of Art History and associate dean for academic affairs.
Professor of Art History and CVAD Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Heidi Strobel is advancing global scholarship while creating meaningful opportunities for students in the field.
 
Strobel recently presented her research at a Madrid-based symposium, “Key Women in the Creation of the Collections of the Museo del Prado: Elisabeth Farnese,” hosted and funded by the Museo del Prado. The third edition of the symposium was held March 9–10, 2026, and brought together international scholars to examine the impact of influential women on one of the world’s most important art collections. Strobel was one of three English-speaking presenters, while the rest of the participants presented in Spanish with simultaneous translation available. Strobel was also filmed on March 11 for a related documentary, extending the reach of her research to broader audiences. The documentary will be released in approximately six months.
 
Book cover of “The Art of Mary Linwood: Embroidery, Installation, and Entrepreneurship 1787–1845” (2024) featuring a painting of Linwood.
“The Art of Mary Linwood: Embroidery, Installation, and Entrepreneurship 1787–1845” (2024) by Heidi A. Strobel
Strobel’s presentation explored the role of women as patrons and advocates for the arts, focusing on Queen Consort Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744–1818) of England and Ireland and her support of female artists. In particular, she highlighted the work of English textile artist Mary Linwood (1755–1845), whose practice challenged traditional boundaries between fine art and craft. 
 

Strobel is the author of “The Artistic Matronage of Queen Charlotte (1744–1818): How a Queen Promoted Both Art and Female Artists in English Society” (2011). She also developed expertise in studies through her work on Leicester textile artist Mary Linwood (1755–1845). This research shaped her book “The Art of Mary Linwood: Embroidery, Installation, and Entrepreneurship 1787–1845” (2024). Published in Bloomsbury’s Material Culture and Design series, the book includes a catalog of Linwood’s works. 

The symposium centered on Elisabeth de Farnese (1692–1766), an influential historical figure who helped shape Spain’s royal collections. Born in Italy, Farnese became queen of Spain through her marriage to King Philip V and served as the de facto ruler from 1714 to 1746, guiding state affairs and influencing foreign policy.
 
Heidi Strobel is speaking at a podium with a slide on the big screen behind her.
Dr. Strobel presents at the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) in Madrid, Spain, one of the world’s premier art museums, renowned for its extensive collection of European art from the 12th to early 20th centuries.
The symposium invited reflection on female artistic agency in the Modern Age and its impact on the circulation of works, the promotion of artists and the consolidation of new narratives of power.
 
Opportunities like this reflect the depth of research and global engagement within UNT’s Art History Department. Students learn from faculty who are actively contributing to international conversations, gaining insight into how historical research connects to museums, collections and cultural institutions worldwide.
 
For more information about studying Art History, visit the CVAD Art History webpage.