CALL FOR PAPERS

39th Annual Cleveland Symposium
Splendor: Exploring Value in the History of Art

The 39th Annual Cleveland Symposium, to be held at the Cleveland
Museum of Art on October 11, 2013, invites graduate submissions
examining the theme of splendor in the visual arts. This symposium
aims to explore how works of art are elevated to become objects that
are prized or venerated. Specifically, in discussing the value
afforded a work, we seek to further understand its historical context,
materiality, visibility, agenda, and cultural significance, whether
through the object’s physicality or representational function. The
grandeur and renown of a work can also manifest itself through its
associations, patrons, and/or esteemed artists.

Possible topics might include:

- Material value of object(s), attributed upon creation or
retroactively
- The use of costly or precious mediums and components
- Public, private, royal, and civic commissions
- Decorative arts
- Reliquaries and other objects with religious functions
- Artist markets and trade
- Depictions of important political or religious events
- Pomp, pageantry, and ceremony
- Gifts, personal or diplomatic

We welcome submissions from art history and architecture graduate
students in all stages of their studies and from all fields and
geographic regions, ranging from ancient through contemporary art. We
will also consider papers from a wide range of methodologies and
approaches. A monetary prize will be awarded to the speaker who
presents the most innovative research in the most successfully
delivered paper.

To be considered, please send a 250-word abstract, recent CV, graduate
level, and contact information to clevelandsymposiumgmail.com by June
1, 2013.