The Idea and Ideology of Empire in the Middle Ages

A panel discussion to accompany the exhibition Imperial Splendor: The Art of the Book in the Holy Roman Empire, 800–1500

The Holy Roman Empire, a shape-shifting entity that underwent continuous transformation throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, provides the framework for this virtual panel discussion, which focuses on the conceptions and understandings of empire that informed political, legal, and historical debate during the period in question. Presented by the Morgan Library and Museum in partnership with the German Historical Institute, this virtual event consists of a brief introduction to the exhibition by its two co-curators, followed by four brief papers and discussion.

The Carolingians and the Emergence of a New Imperial Art
Jennifer Davis, Catholic University of America; Fellow, The Israel Institute for Advanced Studies, 2021–22

Charlemagne and Charles IV: Imperial Splendor as Relationship Across the Centuries
Eva Schlotheuber, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf

Perspectives on European Christian Empires from the Islamicate World
Wolfram Drews, Münster University

Italy and Empire in the Age of Dante and Petrarch
Alexander Lee, University of Warwick

Speaker Biographies (PDF)

Please note that the program will take place online. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to participate using Zoom. We ask that you download the app in advance for the best user experience.