Michelangelo’s Neoplatonism: Theory and Practice

Whereas the impact of Neoplatonism on Renaissance culture has always been emphasized by researchers of the history of literature and philosophy, it has been repeatedly ignored or even challenged by art historians. With regard to Michelangelo's art, for instance, the influence of Neoplatonism has been rejected alltogether by Eugenio Garin and Horst Bredekamp, although his lyrics bespeak a thorough knowledge of neoplatonic theories. Apart from the disregard of the results of research done in other fields, the reason for this seems to be the misconception that the interpreter of Renaissance art must decide between Neoplatonism and Christian Orthodoxy although it is one of the most outstanding characteristics of Neoplatonism to successfully connect philosophy with Christian tradition.

This call welcomes papers on all aspects regarding the interrelation or non-relation between Michelangelo’s philosophical or theological thinking and artistic practice, be it case studies or more general approaches. Interdisciplinary approaches are especially welcome.

Please send abstract of no more than 200 words and curriculum vitae to Berthold Hub/ETH Zurich: berthold.hub@gta.arch.ethz.ch

Deadline: 2 November 2008

Selected speakers must be member of the SCS at the time of the conference.