Objects of Law in the Medieval and Early Modern Worlds

Materials and texts function in a variety of ways in legal contexts, they forge diplomatic ties, grant gifts of land, levy taxes, regulate markets, etc. The connection between the materiality of artefacts and the law are multiple, their very nature conveyed information, performed authority, and communicated authenticity. The conference Objects of Law proposes thinking more deeply about the artistic practices that shaped the materiality, iconography, and texts of legal objects in the medieval and early modern period. Objects of Law seeks dialogue between scholars working in art history, history, archaeology, legal history, and related disciplines that deal with legal objects.