Call for papers

Renaissance Society of America Conference
8-10 April 2010
Fondazione Giorgio Cini,
Isola San Giorgio Maggiore,
Venezia

Panel title:

Eyewitnessing the Extreme
Early Modern Martyrdom and the Status of the Image

This panel offers an occasion for a wide-ranging exploration and
analysis of the representation of martyrdom in the early modern world.
Post-tridentine reflections on martyrdom not only revolved around
hagiographical questions but also the status of the image and art theory
in general. The panel seeks to analyse these interdependences with a
focus on the early modern, but not exclusively Christian world.

Areas of particular interest include but are not limited to:

Martyrdom and the State: Venice and San Sebastiano
Confraternities and martyrdom
Testimonies and execution: law cultures
The martyred body: Dismemberment and pain
Desirable bodies: attraction and fatality
Martyrdom and Mission
Martyrdom in Islam/Judaism
Theological questions of Martyrdom
Politics of Martyrdom
Martyrdom and Memory

We welcome proposals from different disciplines and interests. Please
submit a 150-word abstract for a 20-minute paper, plus a short CV.
Include your current affiliation, email address and institutional
contact information and send the proposal to both organizers.

Papers may be proposed and given in English or Italian.

The deadline is May 3rd, 2009.

Organizers:
Carolin Behrmann, The Getty Research Institute, cbehrmanngetty.edu
Elisabeth Priedl, Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna, e.priedlakbild.ac.at

Speakers must be members of the Renaissance Society of America at the
time of the conference.

Please consult the RSA website for further information:
http://www.rsa.org