Reading the signs (Medieval and Renaissance)

We are pleased to work in collaboration with the Oxford Festival of the Arts to host Reading the signs: the meanings of medieval and Renaissance objects, symbols, and tokens. A conference in memory of art historian and Kellogg Fellow, Dr Cathy Oakes.

Signs and symbols have been used throughout human history to record deeds, to project identity, and to convey messages over time and place. Their specific forms and meanings depend, however, on the society and culture in which they operate.

This interdisciplinary conference offers fresh perspectives on the signs and symbols used by medieval and Renaissance people. It is inspired by the work of the late Dr Cathy Oakes, FSA, and Kellogg Fellow and art historian. Cathy’s research interests were wide ranging, but she is particularly well known for her study of iconography in images of the Virgin Mary in medieval art and architecture. As her work showed, it is critical to appreciate the context in which signs and symbols were used so as to understand what they meant to those who made, saw (and heard) them. At a time in our history when few people could read or write, when most communication was by word of mouth, when heads of state and others in authority had to project their power and influence over long distances, and when people had to trust to their powers of memory and their senses, the use of visual and oral signs, physical gestures, and material tokens was of special importance. Signs and symbols permeated all aspects of life, from religious devotion and liturgical practice to politics, personal relationships, trade and commerce, and the law.

Key-note speakers:

• Professor Elizabeth Gemmill, Professor Emerita in Medieval Economic and Social History; Fellow Emerita of Kellogg College
• Dr Christine Jackson, Fellow Emerita of Kellogg College
• Dr Lynn Robson, Fellow Emerita of Regent’s Park College Oxford

Please visit the Oxford Festival of the Arts event page to view full details and register for this event.

View other events for the festival in the e-brochure.

Day ticket including all refreshments: £30

Open to: General Public, Members of Kellogg College, Oxford University members,