Narrative Plasterwork in the Early Modern World

The session invites papers on figurative uses of plasterwork that extends beyond the ornamental application of the medium. Ornamental plasterwork constitutes the majority of the surviving examples from early modern times and it has dominated art historical approaches. Yet, plasterwork extends beyond its purely decorative role, its versatility allows for the communication of complex ideological messages whilst retaining its distinctive formal and material aspects.

‘Narrative Plasterwork and the Early Modern World’ aims to provide platform for the investigation of narrative and allegorical uses of the medium. Papers may focus on workshop practices, tensions between materiality and iconography, interactions between artists and patrons or the reception of the imagery. We seek proposals examining artistic traditions between 1400 and 1700. Papers addressing interaction between different regions or focusing on case studies beyond established European centers are particularly encouraged.

Submit your Paper via this form. Please download, complete and send it directly to the Session Convenor(s) below by Sunday 2 November 2025:

Patrícia Monteiro, University of Lisbon, patricia.monteiro@campus.ul.pt

Péter Bokody, University of Plymouth, peter.bokody@plymouth.ac.uk