Italian Art Society

Periodization Anxiety in Italian Art: Renaissance, Baroque, or Early Modern?

Frances Gage, Buffalo State, State University of New York; and Eva Struhal, Université Laval. Email: gagefmbuffalostate.edu and eva.struhalhst.ulaval.ca

The catchall term “early modern” is now omnipresent in art history of both the East and West, though what it means, its historical implications and its periodization, are rarely discussed in our discipline. In American academe, the study of this period has seen a broadening of geographical constraints and a shift in chronology, suggesting that the new terminology is more than the idea of a “longue-durée.” Questions that we want to address in our session are: What are the particular implications of the term for the study of Italian Art? What are this term’s methodological or ideological advantages? Is it appropriate to the period in question or are there distinct periods in early modernity? If so, how should they be signaled? Is “early modern” appropriate to non-Western art history? Does it render this period into a mere prelude to modernity? Does it reflect the tendency to occlude historical ruptures and constitute, in part, the growing marginalization of historical inquiry? We invite contributions to this session that reflect on the meaning and applicability of the term “early modern” in the history of art.

Proposals for participation in sessions should be sent directly to the appropriate session chair(s). If a session is cochaired, a copy should be sent to each chair, unless otherwise indicated. Every proposal should include the following five items:

1. Completed session participation proposal form, located at the
end of this brochure , or an email with the requested
information.
2. Preliminary abstract of one to two double-spaced, typed
pages.
3. Letter explaining speaker’s interest, expertise in the topic, and
CAA membership status.
4. CV with home and office mailing addresses, email address,
and phone and fax numbers. Include summer address and
telephone number, if applicable.