"Inventing" Artistic Representations
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION--Deadline for paper proposals extended to April
28
SECAC, New Orleans, September 24-27, 2008

Send abstracts (200 words MAX) to Session Chair: Alison Fleming,
Winston-Salem State University, flemingalwssu.edu, tel. 336-750-2973
or 508-922-9586

Encountering an image of the Last Supper, the art historian cannot
help but think of the iconic prototype by Leonardo da Vinci.
Considering an artistic representation-of most any subject-frequently
prompts recollection of other works of similar content. The
consideration of models, influences and inspirations is a significant
factor of art historical evaluation. But, how can we analyze a subject
artistically represented for the first time? While a straightforward,
naturalistic rendering in landscape or portraiture may not elicit
substantial contemplation, the initial illustration of a current
event, or other fresh subject, surely invites such inquiry.

Throughout the Early Modern period, artists invented compositions for
new subjects, some more successful or influential than others. Visual
biographies of contemporary personages or newly canonized saints
required the creation of original images, as did the illustration of
novel literary subjects. How did the artists responsible for these
images produce them for the first time? Did they solely probe their
own imaginations, or adapt different prototypes? How did their patrons
direct them in this pursuit? This session seeks papers exploring the
various ways in which artists created new compositions, invented novel
means of representing figures and stories, and fashioned original
artistic representations.