IMC 2015: Sessions

Session 503: Reform of/through Emotions and Emotional Systems in Medieval Art and Thought

Sponsor:	Kunstgeschichtliches Institut, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main
Organiser:	Johanna Scheel, Kunstgeschichtliches Institut, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main
Moderator/Chair:	Maria Gordusenko, Department of History of Art, University of Edinburgh
Paper 503-a	Demonic Emotions and Reformed Behavior in Gothic Sculpture (Language: English) Brigit G. Ferguson, Department of the History of Art & Architecture, University of California, Santa Barbara Index terms: Art History - Sculpture, Monasticism, Religious Life
Paper 503-b	Just Fear?: Picturing the Apocalypse in Medieval Art (Language: English) Johanna Scheel, Kunstgeschichtliches Institut, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main Index terms: Art History - Painting, Mentalities, Religious Life
Abstract	Emotions work in systems. They string together, they increase or diminish each other, they relate to and transform into each other. These complex systems are of utmost importance in medieval theology regarding the reform of the inner and outer man and thus play a major role in monastic contexts as well as in theories of prayer and techniques of meditation. In this session we explore the moral implications, definitions, limitations, regulations, and even demonisations of emotion in medieval art as part of these systems in medieval thought. Our focus will be on Italian and Northern European sculpture, manuscript illuminations, and panel paintings.