Medieval parish churches though created as placed to celebrate the liturgy, became true community centers. Parishioners would agree on business deals at the church door, hold village celebrations in the churchyard, and paid taxes, organized poor relief, lent out plows, placed fire-fighting equipment and agreed-upon weights and measures, and stored important documents in the nave and tower. Because villagers had reasons to enter the church almost every day, artist and patrons sought to create compelling visual images that would continue to engage the parishioners over many years.

These two sessions seek papers that explore new approaches to some very old architecture, sculpture, painting, and other church furnishings. Why were certain plans acceptable and others ignored? What determined the placement of windows, doors, ceiling openings, and trapdoors and how did that change throughout the centuries? How did artists respond to increased demand from pious laypeople for intense, emotional devotion, but in a public space through ever-changing decorative programs?

Deadline: September 15, 2016

To submit a proposal, please contact

Sarah Blick, Art History, Kenyon College

Gambier, OH 43022 USA

blicks@kenyon.edu

FAX (740) 427-5673