New publication: Foundation, Dedication and Consecration in Early Modern Europe
Bringing together contributions from art history, architectural history, historiography and history of law, this volume is the first comprehensive exploration of the manifold meanings of foundation, dedication and consecration rituals and narratives in early modern culture, which combined a renewed interest in notions of origins, history and identity with an exceptionally rich production of artefacts. Edited by Maarten Delbeke & Minou Schraven.
Across all times and cultures, mankind has attached great importance to the foundation of buildings, cities and communities. By means of rituals of foundation, dedication and consecration, buildings and objects are charged with meaning. At the same time, these rituals bear witness of the way communities understand their own place in history, and how they position themselves in relation to others. As such, the study of these rituals deepens our understanding of society at large.
Biographical note
Maarten Delbeke, Ph.D. (2001) in Architecture, Ghent University, is Associate Professor at Ghent University, and researcher at the LUICD of Leiden University. He has published on Early Modern theory of art and architecture, as well as modern architecture
Minou Schraven, Ph.D. (2006) in Art History, Groningen University, is postdoctoral fellow at Leiden University. She has published on early modern material and festival culture, including her Festive Funerals in Early Modern Italy. Cultures of Conspicuous Commemoration (in press, Ashgate).
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