Durham University, 6-7 July 2010
An interdisciplinary symposium for early career researchers, supported by the Society for the Social History of Medicine, the Royal Historical Society, and the Centre for Seventeenth-Century Studies.

Keynote speaker: Dr. Peter Mitchell (University of Wales, Lampeter)

Call for papers deadline: 30 January 2010

This symposium will look at the human and human-like body on, and as, display, between c.1400 and c.1800. We will explore the notion, and reality, of the exposure of the inner and outer human form, and the representational, visual and material cultures of the body. This was a formative (and even transformative) period for the visual and representational culture of human corporeality, witnessing the watersheds of Renaissance and Enlightenment, challenges to long-held understandings of the body and, allegedly, both the creation of the modern 'self' and the eventual secularization of Western society.

Possible topics might include (but are not limited to): Dissection, the medical 'gaze' and medical illustration Corporeality and the flesh in the visual, written and performing arts The body in religious iconography, hagiography and religious performance Gesture, kinesics and the expression of emotions Corporal punishment and bodily shaming Clothing, garments and cosmetics and their significance

The symposium will be held immediately before the Society for the Social History of Medicine's annual conference 2010 (also at Durham University), to facilitate early career attendance. It will be accompanied by an exhibition of original materials to be held at Palace Green Library, Durham University. Papers of 20 minutes are invited from postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers working on any part of the period. Studies looking at non-European countries are especially encouraged, as is flexibility in approaching the body as a visual, performative, aesthetic and representational entity.
Please send abstracts (of no more than 300 words) to body.ondisplay@durham.ac.uk by 30 January 2010.

Please see the website www.bodyondisplay.org.uk or email body.ondisplay@durham.ac.uk for more information.

We look forward to receiving your proposals.