Removed and Rewritten: Palimpsests and Related Phenomena from a Cross-Cultural Perspective, University of Hamburg via Zoom, October 7–8, 2021
One of the most fascinating features of manuscripts is their openness to different types of transformations introduced by their users. More often than not, manuscript books acquire ‘layers’ of annotations, corrections, or other modifications at some point during their ‘life’. The phenomenon known as palimpsesting is one of the most radical ways in which a manuscript can be transformed. It not only implies the erasure of one or all parts of a manuscript’s contents but may even result in its complete disintegration. Instead of ceasing to exist, however, the dismembered parts usually find their way into other manuscripts, hence establishing a mostly hidden and fortuitous connection between two or even more written artefacts.
In recent years, the development of new technologies has provided more accurate methods to study palimpsested manuscripts, rendering accessible the otherwise invisible scriptio inferior. At the same time, refinements in the concept of manuscripts as evolving entities (Andrist/Canart/Maniaci 2013 and Friedrich/Schwarke 2016) provide further analytical tools for a better understanding and conceptualisation of palimpsests as complex written artefacts (re)created in the course of a special production process. With the present workshop – a continuation and expansion of a smaller virtual event on palimpsests organised by the Cluster in December 2020 – we aim to bring together experts from different fields and disciplines and encourage discussion on the essentials of palimpsests and related phenomena from a cross-cultural perspective.
Advance registration required.