Colloquium in Art History: Medieval Reliquaries in Context

In this seminar we will explore the meanings and uses of medieval reliquaries and other types of liturgical art. Students will gain an understanding of the historical and theoretical concerns surrounding the cult of relics, the cult of saints and the cult of the dead. In the interest of building a familiarity with the dynamic historiography of this sub-field of medieval art history, our investigations of these art objects and the collections to which they belonged will include critical engagements with the scholarship devoted to them. Topics covered will include: the meanings of shaped and body-part reliquaries, the role of gender and the significance of precious materials and materiality. Strongly recommended for history of art and architecture majors in their sophomore year. Preference will be given to history of art majors