This conference seeks to bring together scholars working on such large and complex multilingual traditions of textual and pictorial narratives. We invite contributions from researchers across linguistic boundaries and disciplinary approaches—philological, historical, iconographical, literary, or digital—to critically engage with the methodological challenges posed by these traditions. By doing so, we aim to refine our understanding of the cultural history of the premodern era, characterized by its long-term, multicultural, and multilingual dynamics.

An International Conference organised by the DFG-ANR Project PhysioLab, 9-10 September 2027, University of Hamburg, Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures

Argument

The PhysioLab project (ANR-DFG 2025-2028) aims to produce new digital and print editions of the earliest versions of the Physiologus. In the course of this work, the study of Latin and Eastern Christian translations, source research, and examination of the literary and iconographic reception of the Physiologus have revealed complex paths that transcend linguistic, cultural, and religious boundaries.  Similar patterns of large-scale multilingual transmission – encompassing written, oral and pictorial media – can be observed in many narrative traditions, whether hagiographic, biographical, fictional or historical.  Studying the complex history of these traditions challenges conventional dichotomies such as West/East, centre/periphery, religious/secular, courtly/popular. This conference aims to bring together researchers working on vast and complex multilingual traditions of textual and pictorial narratives.  

This conference seeks to bring together scholars working on such large and complex multilingual traditions of textual and pictorial narratives. We invite contributions from researchers across linguistic boundaries and disciplinary approaches—philological, historical, iconographical, literary, or digital—to critically engage with the methodological challenges posed by these traditions. By doing so, we aim to refine our understanding of the cultural history of the premodern era, characterized by its long-term, multicultural, and multilingual dynamics.

During the conference, the PhysioLab team will present the new electronic, multilingual edition of the earliest versions of the Physiologus.

A selection of papers will be considered for publication, potentially in the series Cultural Encounters in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages (Brepols).

Submission Guidelines

Proposals should include:

• An abstract of no more than 250 words, accompanied by a short bibliography;
• A curriculum vitae (one page maximum).

Please submit your proposal by 31 May 2026 to <caroline.mace@uni-hamburg.de> and <emmanuelle.kuhry@irht.cnrs.fr>. All submissions will be reviewed by the scientific advisory board, and notifications of acceptance will be sent by 15 July 2026.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on their original scholarly contribution and their relevance to the conference theme.

Conference Languages

English, French, German, Italian.

Practical Information

Further information

Please remind that while remote access will be given to follow the conference, the speakers are requested to present their paper in person.

Accommodation in Hamburg (three nights) will be provided for successful applicants. Limited funding for travel expenses may be available for participants whose institutions are unable to cover these costs. If you require financial assistance, please indicate this in your submission.

Scientific Advisory Board

• Shari Boodts (Nijmegen)
• Isabelle Draelants (Paris)
• Emmanuelle Kuhry (Paris)
• Caroline Macé (Hamburg)
• Lucie Martin (Paris)
• Horst Schneider (München)
• Madalina Toca (Wien)
• Ida Toth (Oxford)