Engaging Enemies: Muslims in Medieval Churches
Dr. Elizabeth Lipsmeyer, Old Dominion University
January 29, 2007
Walsh Building
Cosponsored by: Department of Art, Music, and Theater, BMW Center for German and European Studies, Department of History, Medieval Studies Program
Art historian Dr. Elizabeth Lipsmeyer examined distorted and shocking images of Muslims in churches of Crusader-era France and Spain. Her lecture provoked questions about the purpose of such sculptures. How might we interpret art that is propagandistic and inflammatory within its medieval religious and cultural contexts? What meaning does such imagery have for us today?
This was an image based presentation and discussion which inaugurated the Art History program’s “New Perspectives” series of occasional talks by specialists in the field.