Seeing Sound, Speaking Images: The Senses in the Middle Ages

Image: Princeton University Library, Garrett MS. 36, fol. 69r.

2026 Medieval Studies Graduate Conference

Friday, March 27 |  5:30-7:30pm | Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel:

Keynote concert with ModernMedieval Voices & DEMESTVO

Saturday, March 28 | 9:00am – 4:30pm | 300 Wallace Hall:

Graduate Conference

For the full schedule and to register, please visit the conference website.

This year’s theme considers the vibrant ways in which medieval people experienced, described, and theorized the senses. How did sound, sight, touch, taste, and smell shape devotion, knowledge, memory, and identity? How were sensory experiences translated across media—into text, image, song, or material form? What might sensory perception reveal about embodiment, spirituality, and the boundaries of human experience?

More information to follow shortly. For questions, contact the organizing committee at msgradconference@gmail.com.

This conference is sponsored by the Program in Medieval Studies, Center for Collaborative History, Committee for the Study of Late Antiquity, Program in the Ancient World, Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, and the Departments of Art & Archaeology, Classics, English, Religion, and Music.

This year’s conference is organized by Megan Coates (Art & Archaeology) and Claire Apostoli (Classics).