Materialities: Ancient and Modern

How do the materials of antiquity, from everyday objects and paintings to monumental buildings, make their way into contemporary lives and scholarship? What bearing have these traces of ancient material culture had on contemporary culture? Toggling between antiquity and the present, noted art historians Annabel Wharton and Jaś Elsner will discuss the modern afterlives of ancient materials—their transmissions, citations, and repurposings. In concert with this year’s Frankel Institute theme of Jews and the Material in Antiquity, the conversation will also address the vexed role of Jews and Judaism in the formation of modern conceptions of materiality and historiography on visuality and religion.

Event Accessibility: There is an elevator and accessible and gender neutral restroom on the first floor of the building. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation, contact the Judaic Studies office at judaicstuies@umich.edu or 734-763-9047.