To complement the exhibition Lumen: The Art and Science of Light, curators and scholars present two panel discussions on the intersections of art and science in the medieval world. Designed as a series of engaging discussions, the first presentation explores topics such as astronomy and optics, and examines how medieval people thought about the science of light in both Latin and Arabic speaking regions. The second discussion invites scholars of neuroscience, philosophy, and art to discuss the way the eye and the brain react to light and how medieval people harnessed these effects to create immersive spaces of wonder.
Art, Science, and Wonder in the Medieval World
Astronomers on Mount Athos (detail), in The Travels of Sir John Mandeville, about 1400–1425, Master of the Mandeville Travels. Tinted ink on parchment. The British Library Collection, Add. 24189, fol. 15. Image © The British Library Board
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About
Know Before You Go
Schedule
Panel 1: What Was Medieval Science?
11am–12:30pm PT
Introduction
Kristen Collins, exhibition co-curator
Moderator
Barry C. Smith, professor of philosophy and director, Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study
Speakers
Ladan Akbarnia, curator, South Asian and Islamic art, San Diego Museum of Art
Margaret Gaida, postdoctoral researcher, California Institute of Technology
Megan McNamee, lecturer in pre-modern art, 500–1500, Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh
Panel 2: The Neuroscience of Light
2–3:30pm PT
Introduction
Nancy K. Turner, exhibition co-curator
Moderator
Barry C. Smith, professor of philosophy and director, Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study
Speakers
Nancy Thompson, professor of art and art history; Department Chair of Art and Art History, St. Olaf College
G. Gabrielle Starr, president, Pomona College
Abbey Stockstill, associate professor of Islamic art and architecture, Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University
Related Resources
Art, Science, and Wonder in the Medieval World (Panel 1: What Was Medieval Science?)
Event recording
(opens in new tab)In part one of two, curators and scholars explore topics such as astronomy and optics
Art, Science, and Wonder in the Medieval World (Panel 2: The Neuroscience of Light)
Event recording
(opens in new tab)In part two of two, curators and scholars present on neuroscience, philosophy, and art
Related Exhibitions
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