PAMLA 2025: Panel 19521 - "Power, Text and Image in Medieval and Early Modern Literature"
Power, Text and Image in Medieval and Early Modern Literature
The staging of power follows a strategic media use of contemporary possibilities and is solidified both
in text and image. All media – from highly aesthetic literary works to visual programs – are employed for
political propaganda. This is particularly true for the Middle Ages, characterized by the visibility of
external symbols as well as images and representations, and equally applies to the early modern
period. The panel will discuss various genres, from the Maere to works of glory that contribute to the
cult of remembrance surrounding rulers. These works remain as relevant today as they once were,
transcending temporal boundaries, as the demonstration of power through propagandistic literature
continues to play a dominant role.
Accompanying the current political and social discourse surrounding the concept of "power," the term
itself is experiencing a resurgence. "Power" and the pursuit of it serve as a means to an end—the
achievement of a goal and, consequently, the fulfillment of humanity’s perpetual striving for positions
of power within society. However, beyond the term itself, its etymology in Middle High German and
other languages is of interest, as are the media strategies used to stage power.
For both text and image, whose diverse media formats are functionalized for political propaganda, the
continuous (self-)representation of power is crucial—especially when rulers themselves cannot be
physically present. Images, conveyed through woodcuts, illustrations, coins, pamphlets, newspapers,
war reports, or literary works, all serve to disseminate power and dynasty, to reproduce the ruler’s
likeness, and to establish sovereign representation. In Emperor Maximilian’s Weißkunig, both the
literary and visual compendium act as vehicles of royal representation.
With regard to media transformations on the "eve" of the printing press, it is essential to examine how
literary and visual portrayals of power changed. How is power conveyed? Which motifs and strategies
are implemented in different media? Who creates these works, and which literary genres are utilized?
What is the relationship between potentia and potestas? How are power, rule, and violence
interconnected? This panel aims to provide insight into historical sources as well as literary texts to
reconstruct medieval demonstrations of power. What forms of power are staged? What means secure
power—physical or spiritual forces? Legal rulings, charters, or divine election? What consequences can
be drawn from the representation of power in text and image? The panel is explicitly aimed at scholars
dedicated to the study of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Contributions from German
medieval studies, Scandinavian studies, history and legal studies, Jewish studies, and art history are
particularly welcome.
Paper Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2025
The PAMLA 2025 conference will be held entirely in person (participation via Zoom is not possible)
and will take place in InterContinental San Francisco in San Francisco, California from Nov. 20–
23, 2025. For more information about the conference, see https://www.pamla.org/pamla2025/.
Please submit your abstract through the PAMLA Conference online paper proposal system:
https://pamla.ballastacademic.com/User/SubmitAbstract/19521. You will need to register on the
website to submit your proposal. From the CfP list of sessions, chosse session number “19521. Power,
Text and Image in Medieval and Early Modern Literature (Panel / In-Person)”.
If interested, please submit a 250-500 word proposal and a brief bio by May 15, 2025.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions—we are always available via email
(Antonia Reiss: a.reiss@em.uni-frankfurt.de and Hannah Semrau: semrau@em.uni-frankfurt.de).
We look forward to receiving your abstracts and presentation ideas for our panel!