Medieval Art Research

Online Study Day: MedievalWiki Training Workshop and Social Editing Session, 29 October 2021, 13:30-15:00 BST

This workshop is for brand new and experienced Wikipedia editors who are interested in improving Wikipedia according to the aims of MedievalWiki (on which, see below).

We will gather on Zoom and introduce newcomers to the MedievalWiki project and how to get started with editing. This will be a relaxed and informal workshop, designed to build the confidence of new and new-ish editors and to provide a social space for more experienced editors.

If you can’t make the whole two hours, feel free to drop in just for the first or the second hour (let us know when you book when you plan to stop by).

MedievalWiki is a project to improve the quality of medieval articles on Wikipedia (and related projects including Wikimedia and Wikidata). The project is specifically dedicated to making and editing articles with citations to medieval scholars whose work is indebted to or develops feminist, queer, and critical race studies methods and theories. Making and editing biographical pages for Black medievalists and medievalists of colour, women and non-binary and queer medieval scholars, and artists whose work remakes the medieval is firmly within the MedievalWiki remit.

Please send any questions to Dr Fran Allfrey francesca.allfrey@kcl.ac.uk

Online Lecture: ‘Seeing in the Dark’, Dr Tom Nickson, UCL Research Seminar Series, NOW POSTPONED TO 10 FEBRUARY 2022, 6PM LONDON TIME

‘In this exploratory paper I consider the long history of seeing in the dark, from cave painting to Zoom lectures. Focusing especially on what was once known as the ‘Dark Ages’, I seek to counter whiggish histories of enlightenment, and explore how art and architecture are and were commonly produced and experienced in darkness or half-light. How have new technologies helped to efface histories of darkness? How, despite this, does darkness still create powerful ‘occasions’ for viewing? And to what extent does artificial light diminish modern encounters and interpretations of artworks and spaces?’

Registration is free but required. Click here to register.

Call for submissions: Reginald Taylor & Lord Fletcher Essay Prize, British Archaeological Association (Deadline 1 December 2021)

The British Archaeological Association invites submissions for the Reginald Taylor & Lord Fletcher Essay Prize, awarded biennially for the best unpublished essay submitted on aspects of the art, architecture or archaeology of Europe or the Mediterranean from the Roman era to the Middle Ages, or their study.

The prize consists of a bronze medal and a cheque for £500, and prize-winning essays are commonly published in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association (subject to approval via peer review). The essay should represent original and rigorous research and should normally be no longer than 8,000 words, not including footnotes. Through this prize the BAA seeks to recognize developing researchers (of any age), so those who already have a substantial publication record are ineligible to apply.

Essays (including illustrations) should be submitted as a single PDF file, and sent as an attachment to tom.nickson@courtauld.ac.uk. Further details are available at https://thebaa.org/scholarships-awards/reginald-taylor-lord-fletcher-essay-prize/

The deadline to submit essays is midnight on 1 December 2021.

Online Conference: British Archaeological Association Postgraduate Conference, 24–25 November 2021

We are excited to present a diverse conference which includes postgraduates and early career researchers in the fields of medieval history of art, architecture, and archaeology. The British Archaeological Association postgraduate conference offers an opportunity for research students at all levels from universities across the UK and abroad to present their research and exchange ideas.

This year the conference will take place online via Zoom across two days. Whilst we would love to host the conference in-person, the silver lining is that we are able to have scholars and academics across the world attend and present their work.

Conference Programme

Wednesday 24th November 2021

1:00–1:10 pm (GMT)

Welcome

Space, Place, and Language in Medieval Architecture

1:10–2:30 pm (GMT)

Paro Tomar (Jawaharlal Nehru University), Mosque Building By Artisanal Communities in Western India – Thirteenth to Seventeenth Centuries C.E

Alfie Robinson (University of York), ‘Like, or Better’: Building Contracts and Late-Medieval Perceptions of Quality in Architecture

Michele Guida Conte (Independent Scholar), Liturgical spaces in Vicentine churches between the 13th and the 15th centuries

2:30–2:45 pm (GMT)

Break

Marginalised Communities

2:45–3.45 pm (GMT)

Aitor Boada-Benito (Complutense University, Madrid), Natural landscape and Christian communities in the Sasanian Empire: How martyrs and environment developed a religious identity

Sophie Johnson (University of Bristol), Marginalised in medieval Europe: the underrepresentation of women artists in the history of medieval art

3:45–4:00 pm (GMT)

Break

Materiality and Devotion

4:00–5:20 pm (GMT)

Emily Fu (University of Edinburgh), Real Presences: Late Medieval Wood Sculpted Crucifixions

Soyoung Joo (Courtauld Institute of Art), Flaying and Identity c.1500: Skin as Text, Surface, and Clothing

Andy Earnshaw (Oxford University), Her Final Gift: Revealing Cultural Memory and Emotion in a 12th Century Jet Cross from St John’s Priory, Pontefract

5:20 pm (GMT)

End

Thursday 25th November 2021

1:00–1:10 pm (GMT)

Welcome

Materiality, Memory, and Identity

1:10–2:10 pm (GMT)

Dr Ellora Bennett (Independent Scholar), One will die young’: Juvenile weapon burials and processing loss in early medieval England

Dr Julia Faiers (University of St Andrews), Bishop Louis d’Amboise and the invisible tomb: constructing piety in Albi cathedral

2:10–2:20 pm (GMT)

Break

Iconography and Devotion

2:20–3.20 pm (GMT)

Wiktoria Muryn (University of Glasgow), Holy (Mis)conceptions: Late Medieval Depictions of the Visitation Featuring the Occupied Womb and their Female Monastic Audience

Daria Melnikov (Queen’s University), The Guthlac Roll: Artwork and Model Book, circa 1200–1300

3:20–3:30 pm (GMT)

Break

The Building and the City

3:30–4:30 pm (GMT)

Francesca Rognoni & Filippo Gemelli (IUAV – University of Venice and Università degli studi di Pavia), The Use of Westbau in Medieval Architecture in Central Italy: new data for the façade of Ascoli Cathedral

Dr Rafia Khan (Nirma University, Ahmedabad), Monument and Monumentality in the Medieval Islamic City: Perspectives from the City and Province of Chanderi

4:30pm (GMT)

Closing remarks

See the full programme here.Download

Job Opportunity: Assistant Professor in Medieval European History, Union College (Deadline 15 November 2021)

The History Department at Union College invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Medieval European History, c. 500-1400, (including Medieval Mediterranean History and/or Islamic World). The applicant should be conversant in the methods of digital history. A demonstrated potential for successful research and publication is highly desirable. This position will begin in Fall 2022, conditional upon budgetary capacity.

The successful applicant will be expected to develop coursework a) in European history from c. 500 to 1400, including the Renaissance; b) focused on transcultural commercial, religious, and intellectual contacts/exchanges, primarily in the fields stated above, with courses in the Islamic World being particularly desirable; and c) in digital history. Other curricular responsibilities will include offering a junior seminar for majors; supervision of the two-term senior project; and participation in the college’s general education curriculum. Involvement in the Religious Studies Program and/or interdisciplinary programs is anticipated. The normal teaching load at Union College is six courses over three trimesters.

Fellowship: 2022-2023 Berenson Fellowship, I Tatti (Deadline 15 November 2021)

The Berenson Fellowship is designed for scholars who explore “Italy in the World”. Projects should address the transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (e.g. Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian etc.) during the Renaissance, broadly understood historically to include the period from the 14th to the 17th century.

It is named after Bernard Berenson, who in his 1956 statement ‘On the Future of I Tatti’ expressed the hope that not only would scholars come from many countries, but that they would also travel in “what was the ancient Oecumene, not going farther East than the Euphrates and not farther South than Egypt and the great desert of North Africa” and be intimately acquainted with the Mediterranean countries and their “Hinterland”. Taking a broad geographic view of the Renaissance more than half a century ago, Berenson was a pioneer of the geographically expansive approach to the early modern world that this Fellowship wishes to encourage. Scholars working in all the fields supported by I Tatti—architecture and the arts, history, philosophy, literature, music and history of science—are encouraged to apply.

I Tatti offers Fellows the precious time they need to pursue their studies with a minimum of obligations and interruptions together with a maximum of scholarly resources—a combination that distinguishes the Harvard Center from similar institutions. Each year, a limited number of activities organized at I Tatti are reserved for the Fellows, and they are expected to join the wider community at conferences, lectures, and concerts.

This is a residential fellowship of 4 or 6 months in length. Up to four fellowships will be awarded every year. In light of the residential nature of the fellowship, Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at the Center.

At the time of application, scholars must have a PhD in hand. They may not be working on a second PhD at the time of application. Applicants must be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian. Priority will be given to early and mid-career scholars. I Tatti welcomes applications from scholars from all nations and gives special consideration to candidates without regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

For complete information and to apply, click here.

Call for Papers: Ninth Annual Symposium on Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Saint Louis University, 20-22 June 2022 (Deadline 31st December 2021)

The Ninth Annual Symposium on Medieval and Renaissance Studies (June 20-22, 2022) will be held in person in beautiful Saint Louis, Missouri. This summer venue in North America provides scholars the opportunity to present papers, organize sessions, participate in roundtables, and engage in interdisciplinary discussion. The goal of the Symposium is to promote serious scholarly investigation into all topics and in all disciplines of medieval and early modern studies.

The plenary speakers for this year will be David Abulafia, of Cambridge University, and Barbara Rosenwein, of Loyola University, Chicago.

The Symposium is held annually on the beautiful midtown campus of Saint Louis University. On campus housing options include affordable, air-conditioned apartments as well as a luxurious boutique hotel. Inexpensive meal plans are also available, although there is a wealth of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues within easy walking distance of campus. While attending the Symposium, participants are free to use the Vatican Film Library, the Rare Book and Manuscripts Collection, and the general collection at Saint Louis University’s Pius XII Memorial Library.

The Ninth Annual Symposium on Medieval and Renaissance Studies invites proposals for papers, complete sessions, and roundtables. Any topics regarding the scholarly investigation of the medieval and early modern world are welcome. Papers are normally twenty minutes each and sessions are scheduled for ninety minutes. Scholarly organizations are especially encouraged to sponsor proposals for complete sessions.

The deadline for all submissions is December 31, 2021. Late submissions will be considered if space is available. Decisions will be made in January and the final program will be published in February.
For more information or to submit your proposal online go to: https://www.smrs-slu.org/

Job Opportunity: Assistant Professor in Medieval History of Science and Religion, Purdue University (Deadline 1st November 2021)

Principal Duties: The Department of History at Purdue University invites applications for a tenure-track, assistant professorship in Medieval History of Science and Religion. Ph.D. in History required. The successful candidate will develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the history of the Medieval World as well as contribute to the intellectual life of the department. Applicants will be expected to enhance and complement the strengths of the department in the histories of science, technology, and medicine, gender, politics, and violence/conflict/Human Rights. The person who fills this position will also teach courses in the College’s general education program, Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts.

Qualifications: The Candidate must have a Ph.D. in history with a specialization in the history of Medieval Science and Religion. This position requires strong oral and written communication and proven ability to publish high-quality peer-reviewed research. Salary will be commensurate with training and experience.

The College and University: The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is embarking upon 40 faculty searches for positions to begin in Fall 2022. These positions will advance research within and across disciplines, and intersect with technology, data science, and engineering in relevant and important ways. These positions include teaching in our innovative, nationally-recognized Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program that educates students across the university.

Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of History are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry.

Application Procedure

Applications must include the following items uploaded into Success Factors, the Purdue system for job applications, as PDF documents: 1) cover letter, with a discussion of teaching philosophy and research agenda; 2) Curriculum vitae; 3) the names of three referees (no letters please); 4) a writing sample of no more than 25 pages (which may be a dissertation chapter, article, or book); and, 5) a statement of commitment to diversity. Questions about the position should be directed to Melinda Zook, chair of the search committee, at mzook@purdue.edu.

Purdue University’s Department of History is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate diversity and inclusion statement, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities and / or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

Review of the applications will begin on November 1, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position. For additional information, contact Melinda Zook via email at mzook@purdue.edu.

Click here to apply.

Job Opportunity: Assistant Professor, Art and Architecture of the Medieval Mediterranean, Duke University (Deadline 1st November 2021)

The Department of Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position in the History of Art or Architecture of the Medieval Mediterranean at the Assistant Professor level. Distinguished candidates at the early associate professor level will also be considered. Candidates at the rank of associate professor must have been in that rank for no more than three years at the time of their application.

The department seeks applications from individuals whose work makes significant contributions to medieval scholarship. All research fields—from local to global studies—that intersect with the Mediterranean world will be considered. Candidates whose interests include Islam and/or digital art history are particularly encouraged to apply.

Candidates submitting all required materials by November 1st, 2021 will receive full consideration. Candidates should include in their application a cover letter, cv, research statement, a teaching statement that includes how the applicant approaches diversity, equity, and inclusion, work sample (an article or a chapter), and the names and contact information of three references.

The Department is committed to sustaining innovative and interdisciplinary teaching and research in an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. The University does not tolerate harassment and discrimination; it also makes good faith efforts to recruit, hire, and promote qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Duke is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Click here to apply.

Online Lecture: ‘Promoting Conformity, Justifying Persecution: The Revival of Figurative Sculpture at the First Millennium’, by Deborah Kahn, Birkbeck Murray Seminar, 20th October 2021, 16:45 BST

The churches of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and Selles-sur-Cher contain some of the earliest figurative sculpture in stone since Rome. Even more exceptional is the fact that these carvings, which date from the 1020s and 30s, depict contemporary polemics: images of Muslims killing Christians in the lead-up to the Crusades, the Eucharist, not as a mere symbol (as the heretical canons burned at Orléans in 1022 believed), or the illustration of the conspiracy theory that the Jews were behind the destruction of the Holy Sepulcher, an event which occurred in 1009 without Jewish involvement.

These newly conceived relief sculptures must have seemed miraculous to contemporaries who were accustomed to wall-paintings in the decoration of their churches but who had never seen carved stone. The technology was the more astonishing because of its permanence in addition to its effectiveness in making the enemy tangible because the depictions protruded into space. Thus, the revival of narrative sculpture was not merely the natural accompaniment of the new giant stone churches crafted from ashlar masonry, it was a vehicle to justify persecution and scapegoating; a tool to encourage social conformity in the wake of the millennium.

Deborah Kahn wrote her thesis at the Courtauld Institute. She subsequently returned to America where she has taught at Boston University as an Associate Professor for twenty-five years. She is the author of Canterbury Cathedral and its Romanesque Frieze, the editor of the Lincoln Frieze and its Spectator and has published widely on European sculpture as well as on medieval iconography more generally. Her most recent book, The Politics of Sanctity: Figural Sculpture at Selles-sur-Cher appeared earlier this year. She has recently turned her attention to the problem of copying and creativity in the art of the early middle ages. Covid has left her pining medieval monuments – a condition little known in the medical world but widespread among American medievalists.

To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deborah-kahn-promoting-conformity-justifying-persecution-tickets-184279544077