News - December 4, 2009

The Fall 2009 Graduate Symposium: Renaissance High Chapel Decoration

After months of research and a challenging year of studies, the  Syracuse University Graduate Candidates for the Master’s Degree in Art History are finally ready to present their theses. This year’s symposium concentrates on Renaissance High Chapel Decoration, a topic, say grads Julia Colchie, Laura Genatiempo, and Shannon Gilmore, they were drawn to following their coursework on Santa Maria Novella and issues of audience.

The High Chapel, or Cappella Maggiore as it is sometimes referred to in church documents, is the space connected to the high altar in a church. Not all churches in the Renaissance have high chapels but for those that did, the decoration of such a space, given its prominence, was of considerable importance. The high chapel was the central focus during Mass for both the clergy and the laity.

The grads chose to address the issue of high chapels for their 2009 Graduate Symposium in order to provide a better understanding of the audience for, and the purpose of, the decorative programs for such spaces. Gilmore notes, “Even today when we visit a church and approach the high altar, there are restrictions on how close we are allowed and what we can see as visitors. During the Italian Renaissance, there was this similar idea of restricted access, which then raises the question for whom was the decoration of these spaces meant?”

These three dynamic young women agree they are extremely pleased with the SU graduate program. Gilmore says, “For Syracuse University’s Florence Master’s Program in Italian Renaissance Art, each of us not only produced an individual Master’s thesis, but the unique character of the program provided us with the opportunity to collectively contribute new research to a particular issue in Italian Renaissance art history.”

Colchie adds, "What set this program apart from almost all other Masters programs, for me, was the chance to conduct and formally present original research of a work of art with unparalleled on-site examination of the work and access to archival and conservational resources, often in their original state and language. We were able to do so on a level usually restricted to seasoned scholars, many of whom we also were able to consult directly as our research evolved to its present finished form. The resulting dialogue and reevaluation of scholarship proved incredibly rewarding. These factors, together with the close mentorship of the faculty, place us at a significant advantage, whether pursuing a PhD or entering the field immediately."

With rehearsal after rehearsal under their belts, Genatiempo says they are looking forward to finally presenting their papers to the community.