Papers are invited that address situated views of Venice and its
maritime territories from the diverse perspectives of those engaged in
seafaring culture. Proprietary claims to the sea on the part of early
modern states, including Venice itself with regard to the Adriatic
(“il golfo di Venezia” ), make clear that waters did not remain
outside the territorializing of sovereignty. That notwithstanding, the
status of land and that of the sea were categorically different. A
liminal space of passage to those whose maritime experiences were
ephemeral (pilgrims and other travelers), the waters were home to
others whose lives played out in that fluid realm without borders.
This panel will highlight competing views (in text or image) of Venice
and its coastal empire expressed by, attributed to, or associated with
those who inhabited the sea. From the Venetian admiralty to galley
slaves, from licensed merchants to Ottoman and Barbary pirates,
historical voices representing diverse orientations and points of
reference are welcome in work from a range of disciplines. Please send
a one-page abstract and CV to Karen-edis Barzman
(kbarzmanbinghamton.edu) and Mark Rosen (mxr088000utdallas.edu) by
May 30th, using the subject heading “RSA Views from the Sea.”