Call For Papers – Research Meeting II: ‘The Material Heritage of Ancient Greece in Early Modern Europe: New Approaches and Perspectives’
1-2 February, 2024
Norwegian Institute, Athens
Early modern Hellenism has often been approached in terms of texts, language, and ideas. The material facets of the phenomenon, on the other hand, have received less sustained scholarly attention. Nevertheless, the materiality of Hellenism—from Greek antiquities and forgeries to ‘Greek’ styles in clothing and bookmaking—is an important aspect of how Greek and European identities were construed in early modern Europe. How can we understand the connection between the interest in material aspects of Hellenism and the pursuit of a common European identity? In what ways did the desire for Greek artefacts, styles, and artistic techniques contribute to a wider cultural identification with Greek culture? What did early modern notions of ‘Greek’ material heritage in- and exclude?
Participants are asked to relate the subjects of their presentations to questions of Greek and/or European identity and to reflect on their approach and positioning in the field of early modern Hellenism studies. We are particularly (not exclusively) interested in digital approaches to the subject.
Presentations may cover a range of thematic domains, which include, but are not limited to, the following subjects. Presentations that explore the intersection of several of these domains and/or take a diachronic approach are particularly welcome.
- Early modern interest in ancient Greek artefacts, architecture, and antiquarianism
- Perceptions and understandings of Byzantine material culture, as well as practices of looting and trafficking of Byzantine objects
- Notions of ‘Greek style’ (maniera greca, alla greca) in many domains of early modern material culture, including dress, architecture, and bookbinding
- The reception of Greek themes and motifs in early modern art and visual and material culture, as well as visual representations of Greece in early modern culture
- The uses of the Greek language in early modern material culture, including art objects and architecture
- The understanding and perception of Greek ruins, memory sites, and landscapes, both before and during the phenomenon of the Grand Tour
- Digital approaches to the material heritage of Greece in early modern Europe
Given the methodological emphasis of the workshop, we welcome proposals for both traditional papers (ca. 20 mins) and shorter concept notes and project presentations (ca. 10 mins).
For more details regarding the meeting and for details regarding paper proposals please click the link below.
Workshop Description and Call for Papers (Deadline: 31st of May, 2023)
Research Meeting I: ‘Greek Books and Europe’s Common Culture’
1-2 June, 2023
Archaeological Research Unit, University of Cyprus, Nicosia
Greek heritage became a main point of reference in almost every important realm of thought and branch of knowledge during the early modern period; understanding how early modern Europeans engaged with the ancient Greek language and ancient Greek texts is critical in assessing the process through which this took place. Τhis meeting will consider the dissemination and reception of the Greek textual heritage through book historical approaches.
The printing, circulation and use of Greek books crossed borders and had international resonance: editions printed in one place circulated in other geographical areas; others were pirated and reproduced in different milieus; scholars and editors were aware of editions through their communication networks and worked towards augmenting editions on the basis of previous ones. Despite these international features of Greek printing, however, we can also identify efforts by editors and publishers to assimilate editions for their own particular (‘national’, ‘regional’) public. We should be mindful, therefore, of the specific contexts for their production, dissemination and use alongside the more general background and purposes: whether this was a geographical or confessional context, or a linguistic context (vernacular, but above all, Latin). The research day organised in Nicosia in 1-2 June 2023 aims to address some of the above issues as a way of contextualising and sharpening our understanding of the role of Greek books in disseminating Greek heritage and culture in Europe in the early modern period.
Participants have been invited to reflect upon some of the following issues:
- The circulation of Greek books in different geographical (and cultural) areas as indicated e.g. by collections or inventories (including circulation of books printed elsewhere)
- Greek books in a Latin context (whether this is production, dissemination, or use)
- Greek books in vernacular contexts
- The specific uses of Greek books (as indicated by material or other evidence)
- The activities of specific printers or publishers and how these relate to printing context or book use
GrECI Kick-off Meeting
Monday, 13 February 2023
Nicosia, Cyprus
The GrECI kick-off meeting will take place in Nicosia, on the 13h of February 2023. The members of the project will gather in Nicosia to present the main content and aims of the project. The meeting will focus on the four main axes which define the approaches of the project: history of the book, digital heritage studies, language and literature studies, and intellectual history (Reformation studies) and will present the manner in which the project will be implemented (the Work Packages). We will round up the day with a discussion on the Horizon Twinning Grants in general and insights in the application and implementation process.
GrECI 