Welcome

“Goslarer Bergkanne” (detail)
Source: City of Goslar, Goslar Museum

The analysis of medieval artefacts provides insights into the material traces of contemporary work processes by examining traces of work and material characteristics on the artworks. The preservation of materials and working tools also allows conclusions to be drawn about the technical practices and availability of resources in the respective era. The examination of work routines reveals the collaborations and hierarchies between different actors, for example in corporate contract awards or collaborative manufacturing processes. The social environment plays a decisive role here – whether in a monastic or courtly context – as do the integration of gender relations and the origins of migrant artists or workshops. In addition, the social standing of the producers is considered. Evidence for this is provided by signatures, inscriptions or depictions themselves, which reflect the appreciation of their work. Overall, it can be said that artistic production in the Middle Ages reflects not only technological aspects, but also social structures, social roles and values in an integrative way.

Organizing committee: Wolfgang Augustyn, Juliane von Fircks, Dorothee Kemper, Gerhard Lutz, Jan Friedrich Richter, Jörg Richter, Marc Carel Schurr, Gia Toussaint, Harald Wolter-von dem Knesebeck, Andrea Worm