Making the Body in Renaissance Italy: Art, Literature, Medicine

What is a body? Which medical and cultural authorities set its boundaries? How has bodily autonomy evolved in history, alongside advances in science and conceptions of personhood? This conference explores these issues at the crucial historical juncture of the Italian Renaissance, a moment that gave rise to a scientific revolution alongside major transformations in literary and artistic production. Exploring different bodily states and concerns—from pregnancy, desire, and appearance to illness and death— participants will share new research demonstrating how discourses around the body were shaped not only by medical treatment and dissection, but also by portrayals in art and poetry. Ultimately, in Renaissance Italy, the body was a site of intense societal critique and debate, as it still is today.

Funding provided by USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute and The Molina Family Foundation.

Key Details

• Conference registration is good for both days and includes general admission to The Huntington.
• Lunch reservations close on Jan. 20 at noon. A limited number of lunch tickets will be available for purchase at the conference.
• Please note that registration times differ for day 1 and day 2. Doors to the conference hall open 30 min before registration. 

For questions about this event, email researchconference@huntington.org or call (626) 405-3432.

Top image: Attributed to Giambologna (Flemish, 1529 - 1608), Crouching Venus, late 16th century. Bronze, 10 3/16 in. (25.8 cm). The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.