Wooster student presents research on Italian Renaissance artwork at regional conference

Isabelle Hoover, an art history and classical studies major at The College of Wooster, presented her research at the annual meeting of the Classical Association of the Middle West and South in the spring. She analyzed Italian wedding chests from the 14th and 15th centuries decorated with scenes from The Iliad and The Odyssey.  

Hoover’s presentation, titled “The New, Ethical Function of Homeric Epic in Quattrocento Italy,” focused on wedding chests, also known as “Odyssey Cassoni,” created by Renaissance artist Apollonio di Giovanni. She studied the social status of the family who commissioned the chests, as well as the artist’s representation of Greek mythology. Hoover explained that the artist portrayed “knowledge of Greek myth and themes in a way that was approachable to people who would have had little understanding, if any, of the ancient Greek language.” 

For Hoover, this project is a perfect way to combine her interests in both art history and classics. “I am also excited because little scholarship has been done in this area, especially concerning Homeric reception during Renaissance Italy,” she said.  

Hoover believes that her time at Wooster has taught her how to conduct thorough research and write effectively, from her first-year seminar to her time completing her junior Independent Study. She is also looking forward to her senior I.S. this year. Hoover plans to continue her research after she graduates from the College and currently hopes to earn a doctorate in art history.  

Photo: Isabelle Hoover and Emily Baragwanath, associate professor of classics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at the 2021 Eta Sigma Phi annual undergraduate research conference at The University of Georgia.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories on August 15, 2022.