CALL FOR PAPERS: ARTS, OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL, Special Issue

Special Issue "Byzantium and the Mediterranean (11th–13th C.): Multiculturalism, Gender and Profane Topics in Illuminated Manuscripts"

Byzantine illuminated manuscripts constitute a fascinating field of study to be explored in terms of cross-cultural exchanges, gender issues and the spreading of profane topics. This phenomenon was especially rich in the turmoil of 12th and 13th century art in the Mediterranean as a privileged space for interchanging between Latins, Greeks and Muslims. The prestige of Constantinople, the continuity of deep-rooted Byzantine artistic traditions in most of the areas of the Mediterranean (Sicily, Venice, Cyprus, Crusader States, etc), and the increasing mobility of artists, models, and codices fostered these kinds of artistic encounters.

Some of the Byzantine codices from this period—chronicles, manuals of poliorcetics, cynegetic treatise or even biblical and ecclesiastical manuscripts—provide us precious information related to customs, ceremonies, warfare techniques, buildings, clothing, social strata and ethnic and cultural diversity.

We invite articles concerning these topics, especially those regarding gender roles, the depiction of Otherness, the use and meaning of profane repertoires in manuscripts and their spreading and impact on other visual arts. 

Proposals for papers of up to max 15.000 words in length should be sent to the guest editors, Manuel Castiñeiras, on  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and Carles Sánchez Márquez, on  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , by 31 October, 2022. Papers should be in English.

Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Manuel Castiñeiras, Prof. Dr. Carles Sánchez Márquez

For further information:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/arts/special_issues/Byzantium_Mediterranean