The Interior as an Embodiment of Power. The Image of the Prince and its Spatial Setting, 1400–1700
4–6 October 2013
Bamberg, Germany
Organized by
ESF Research Networking Programme PALATIUM
Co-Organized by
Institute of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Art History, Otto‐Friedrich‐University Bamberg
Institute for Art History, Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University (LMU) Munich
PALATIUM
This colloquium is part of the ESF Research Networking Programme PALATIUM: Court Residences as Places of Exchange in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe (1400–1700). PALATIUM aims at creating a common ground for research on the late medieval and early modern European court residence or “palace” (palatium) with an interdisciplinary perspective in mind. While it has long been established that the individual courts thrived on a network of truly European dimensions, its architecture has rarely been studied from this angle. The “palace” is now seen as a pivotal place for cultural exchange. Within this three‐dimensional setting, human interactions are codified by a firm set of rules, generally described as “ceremonial” or ritual. These rules and regulations can be expressed through written and/or visual documents. The cross‐fertilization between palace architecture (tangible) and ceremonial (intangible) is one of the key questions addressed by PALATIUM.
The palace’s space and form carry multiple connotations. To the informed observer they represent power, lineage, and tradition versus innovation. The decoding of this system of signs necessitates input not only by architectural and art historians, but also by various other disciplines, such as archaeology, politics, literature, theatre and music. The PALATIUM programme wants to encourage theoretical and methodological debates in the field, and aims in particular at stimulating exchanges of knowledge and experience between historians, architectural historians, art historians, and researchers in related disciplines – thus building up a network of scholars, institutions and research groups across Europe which mirrors the international network of courts that is being examined.
The present colloquium belongs to section WP1 of the PALATIUM programme. For further information see http://www.courtresidences.eu
The Aims of the Bamberg Colloquium
In the last two decades research on European residences has shifted from the outside to the interior and from stylistic analysis towards functional aspects in conjunction with the formal layout and design of courtly interiors. Only the concept of princely magnificence and its continuous display with artistic means lets us understand early modern palace buildings and their interior sequences as a medium of princely self‐expression and production. After numerous individual studies it is now time to compare different courts and regions and to attempt a synthesis.
The aim of the colloquium is therefore to embed into inter‐regional and broader historical narratives diverse phenomena such as: the ceremonial passage and advancement of the visitors towards the Prince; the calculated artistic effects on their route (such as the length of the route or the gradual increase of the decor of the rooms); special effects such as stair halls and enfilades; and also the type, number and position of the furniture. Such a synthesis can focus on significant developments over a given time span at a single courtly centre, or on situations of transfer and competition during a certain period. It can also offer comparative overviews of design processes or problems relating to the practical implementation of such complex interior presentations.
The colloquium will address a wide scope of issues related to courtly interiors of late medieval and early modern court residences, structured in the following four sessions:
I. Ceremonial Passages – Sequences of Spaces, Rooms and their Respective Functions
The introductory section aims at connecting with the typical functional aspects of late medieval and early modern court residences which have been intensively studied during the past four decades. Typologies of floor plans linked with literary sources disclose the meaning of rooms and spaces for the symbolic and practical realisation of power. Here we will focus on the following aspects. Which architectural arrangements especially fulfil the demands of princely magnificence?
Which rooms are designated for display on special occasions only, as opposed to rooms for multipurpose and everyday usage? How is the visitor guided towards the bearers of power at stately occasions? How do ceremonial passages work in general? What is the impact of ceremonial rules on architecture and on the outline of the plan?
II. Images of Interiors – The Meaning of Decoration, Furniture, Paintings and other Artworks
Calculated artistic effects, heraldic and symbolic images, architectural styles and features, paintings and furniture define the symbolic and practical use of rooms and passage‐ways. The concepts of interior decoration and their climax can underline typical arrangements; they can mirror the power and status of the ruler, signify his political background, or carry a special political or dynastic message in an almost personal and singular way. Who is the recipient, who should read the signs? What gives a room its importance? Is it sufficient to place a special chair in a specific place and have the rest depend on social interaction? How did interior decoration work as a medium? Which features are meant to give orientation, which define the role of the sovereign and which are meant for his amusement? How do the visual arts represent power? To what extent do furnishings and decorative objects display practical aspects, how does the interaction with the ceremonial space work?
III. Practical Issues – Funding, Planning and Organizing Rich Interior Projects
Interior decorations were a costly part of residential architecture. Their planning and construction needed special skills and required large amounts of money. The construction of the architectural features by the piece contrasts with the often highly sophisticated and individual interior. How did rulers organize the interior decoration of their residences? Where did they get the materials from, where did they hire architects, artists and craftsmen? Who invented the programmes of such interior decoration? How were they carried through? Which constructions and features can be considered typical, which are atypical or even unique? Do we have to take into account regional influences concerning form or material? Do special materials and recipes have an impact on decorative schemes?
IV. Transfer of Concepts – Mimesis, Competition and Meta-Discourse
Architectural and decorative concepts for residential interiors play an important role in the representation of power. They define the ceremonial spaces and mirror the personality and role of the monarch. Interchange and competition between different courts lead to the development of specific forms and features. With which architectural and/or decorative measures did a court react to changes in the political environment, the status or imperial function of the monarch, the ceremonial procedures or initiatives of superior courts? Did courts interact by instrumentalizing ceremonial spaces and interior decoration? How consciously did sovereigns invent interior programmes for different residences? Did they follow similar rules; did they try to establish similarities or hierarchies? Is there such a thing as a meta‐discourse on interior setting, decoration and design?
How to Apply?
Abstracts are invited by 30 April 2013. All abstracts must be in English, which will be the working language of the colloquium. Abstracts should be limited to 300 words, and are to be headed with the applicant’s name, professional affiliation, and title of the paper. Submit with the abstract a one‐page curriculum vitae, including a personal or professional address and an e‐mail address.
Submit your proposal by e‐mail to the two conference chairs, Professors Stefan Breitling (stefan.breitling@uni‐bamberg.de) and Stephan Hoppe (email@stephan‐hoppe.de), with a copy to the PALATIUM coordinator, Dr. Pieter Martens (pieter.martens@asro.kuleuven.be).
Abstracts should define the subject and summarize the argument to be presented in the proposed paper. Papers will be limited to a 20 minute presentation, followed by discussion. All abstracts will be held in confidence during the selection process. Only one submission per author will be accepted. All applicants will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of their proposal by 31 May 2013.
Grants for Young Researchers
It is one of PALATIUM’s goals to provide junior scholars (PhD students as well as post‐doctoral researchers) with specialized outlets to present their work and build their scientific networks.
Thus PALATIUM strongly encourages younger scholars who want to participate in this event to apply for a grant, which will cover travel and lodging costs. Accepted grantees will be asked to briefly present their research during the colloquium. The number of available grants is limited. The deadline for grant applications is 31 May 2013. All grant applications must be made online. See the PALATIUM website for more information: http://www.courtresidences.eu/index.php/grants/www.courtresidences.eu
Conference Chairs:
Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Stefan BREITLING (Bauforschung und Baugeschichte, Otto‐Friedrich‐Universität Bamberg)
Prof. Dr. Stephan HOPPE (Institut für Kunstgeschichte, Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München)
Scientific Committee:
Prof. Dr. Uwe ALBRECHT (Universität Kiel)
Prof. Dr. Barbara ARCHISZEWSKA (University of Warsaw)
Dr. Monique CHATENET (Centre André Chastel, Paris)
Prof. Dr. Krista DE JONGE (University of Leuven), PALATIUM Chair
Dr. Martin EBERLE (Stiftung Schloss Friedenstein Gotha)
Prof. Dr. Dagmar EICHBERGER (Universität Heidelberg)
Prof. Dr. Maurice HOWARD (University of Sussex)
Dr. Pieter MARTENS (University of Leuven), PALATIUM Coordinator
Prof. Dr. Matthias MÜLLER (Universität Mainz)
Coordination, Contact:
Prof. Dr. Stefan BREITLING
Otto‐Friedrich‐University Bamberg
Institute of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Art History
Bauforschung und Baugeschichte
Am Kranen 12
D‐96045 Bamberg
Germany
T.: 0049‐(0)951‐863‐2344
E.: stefan.breitling@uni‐bamberg.de
Venue:
Institute of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Art History, Otto‐Friedrich‐University Bamberg
Hochzeitshaus
Am Kranen 12
D‐96045 Bamberg
Alte Hofhaltung
Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung
Bamberg
Source de l’information : Palatium
L'Agenda des Médiévistes 