GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Professor of Art and Western Humanities Ellen Lippert, Ph.D. participated in the 2021 Council of Independent College’s seminar “Materiality, Knowledge, and Art in the Early Modern Globe, 1350—1650.
The online seminar was held June 22, 24, and 26 and explored works of art from the perspective of process, material, and craftsmanship. Studying artworks from the perspective of materiality made clear the complex intersections of global trade and communication that flourished from 1350-1650 and allowed seminar participants a better understanding of the relationship between maker and audience.
“This seminar was of particular interest to me since I’ve been wanting to incorporate Thiel’s art collection, including our growing number of prints generously donated by Marlin Casker, into my art history and humanities classes. I think working with artifacts hands-on, rather than just reading about them in a text or visiting in a museum, will help students to consider them as objects in their world,” Lippert said. “In this way, they can study and contribute to our understanding of Thiel’s collection from their own perspective. Studying the materials used in the production of the artworks, as well as materials referred to in the artworks, will allow students a much richer understanding of the objects and the history from which they come. This seminar was a wonderful opportunity to explore the ways in which I can better incorporate materials and our own collection into my classes.”
Lippert is the author of the book George Ohr: Sophisticate and Rube (2013) as well as several articles on George Ohr.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.