Materialized Identities in Early Modern Culture, 1450-1750: Objects, Affects, Effects

This collection explores the material world of the Renaissance and early modern period, focusing on the agentive qualities of matter, the affective dimensions of history, and the religious and cultural identity dimensions of the use of materials and artefacts. It examines four themes: glass, feathers, gold paints, and veils, charting how each underwent significant changes during this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 418 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2021
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

The growing fascination with the material world of the Renaissance and early modern periods has sparked a remarkable historiography that has captivated both contemporaries and scholars alike. This collection, a testament to this interest, delves into the intricate relationship between the affective dimensions of history and the materiality of objects, exploring the profound ways in which religious and cultural identities are intertwined with the use of materials and artifacts. By centering on the vibrant essence of matter itself, this scholarship seeks to redefine our understanding of the significance of the material world during this transformative era.

The authors of this collection approach the material world through four distinct themes: glass, feathers, gold paints, and veils. These themes are chosen to represent the diverse range of materials and object groups that were prevalent during the Renaissance and early modern periods. Each theme is examined in relation to specific individuals, material milieus, and interpretive communities, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the changes that these four types of materialities and object groups underwent during this period.

Through their meticulous analysis, the authors reveal how each of these four themes experienced significant transformations. Glass, for instance, was not just a material used for practical purposes but also a medium through which artists expressed their creativity and craftsmanship. Feathers, on the other hand, played a crucial role in religious ceremonies and rituals, representing both power and spirituality. Gold paints, meanwhile, were used to adorn and enhance objects, symbolizing wealth and luxury. Veils, too, were employed to conceal and reveal, serving as both a tool of protection and a means of self-expression.

By examining these four themes in relation to specific individuals, material milieus, and interpretive communities, the authors offer a fresh perspective on the material world of the Renaissance and early modern periods. They demonstrate how the use of materials and artifacts was not just a matter of practical necessity but also a means of expressing cultural values, beliefs, and identities. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the field of history, providing insights into the complex relationship between the material world and the broader historical context in which it existed.

In conclusion, this collection is a testament to the growing interest in the material world of the Renaissance and early modern periods. By engaging with the agentive qualities of matter, exploring the religious and cultural identity dimensions of the use of materials and artifacts, and refocusing our understanding of the meaning of the material world on its vibrant essence, the authors offer a rich and insightful exploration of this fascinating period. This book will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the history of material culture and the ways in which it shaped the world we live in today.

Weight: 1158g
Dimension: 178 x 252 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463728959