Paintings and pain: experts explore art, objects and emotion

Renowned international and University of Melbourne academics will examine the emotional significance of objects and paintings at this week’s Art, Objects and Emotions 1400-1800 conference.

Experts from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and across the globe will explore topics as varied as the social meanings and rituals around early modern tobacco boxes, the significance of paintings and pain and how domestic English bed-sheets became objects of personal, spiritual and artistic worship.

Chief Investigator with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions at the University of Melbourne, and conference convener, Charles Zika said the meanings attached to artworks and objects change, evoking different emotional responses throughout time.

“From Rembrandt’s raw and violent Lucretia painting of 1666 to a simple wax candle used for religious rites, objects can generate strong emotions, including desire and violence, pride, belonging, devotion and disgust,” Professor Zika said.

The public, ticketed event will be held from Tuesday 15 November to Wednesday 16 November 2016 at the Woodward Conference Centre, Level 10, Melbourne Law Building, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton.