AH 350 - Chromophobia-Chromophilia: Color and the Making of the Atlantic World

The search for pigments and dye materials was an important aspect of trans-Atlantic colonialism. Beyond the economic imperatives of color as a commodity, however, differences in the use and perception of color came to play a central role in defining cultural difference and social status. This seminar examines such diverse aspects of “color” as commodity (pigments), language, surface, and metaphor, to name just a few. The objective will be to understand the role and function of color in shaping and re-shaping intercultural relationships between Europe, Africa, and the New World. In the course of our discussions, various media will be addressed, including painting, maps, manuscript illumination, sculpture, textiles/fabrics, and body arts. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits