Study day

Translatio

Hybridizing the Christian story

13.11 - 14.11.2025

Participants
Vir Andres Herras
Victor Barabino
Raphaël Bories
Patrick Boucheron
Elise Haddad
Amalia Laurent
Adrian Paci

Study days organized by
Clovis Maillet
Nicolas Sarzeaud

On the occasion of the exhibition Shared Holy Places exhibition at Villa Médicis, Clovis Maillet and Nicolas Sarzeaud, residents at Villa Médicis from 2024-2025, have devised two study days designed to highlight the sharing of narratives between different cultural spheres.

These days will focus on the Christian story: as the bearer of a universal vocation, the Church has sought to spread its message as widely as possible. This desire for expansion has led to forms of cultural hybridization – sometimes controlled, often unforeseen – that still nourish contemporary creation today.

By combining scientific research and artistic practices, these meetings offer a journey through a Christianity in transformation, at the crossroads of multiple influences.

November 13 study day

Introduction by Clovis Maillet and Nicolas Sarzeaud

Discussion with Raphaël Bories (curator at Mucem, co-curator of the exhibition) and Alessandro Gallicchio (director of the art history department at Villa Medici) and Adrian Paci (artist) on Christian legends of architectural and pictorial journeys from the Balkans to Italy (Loreto, Genazzano).

Discussion with Elise Haddad (EHESS-CRH) and Vir Andres Hera (artist) on hybridizations of Christian narrative in the context of the colonization of Mexico.

November 14 study day

Discussion with Victor Barabino (Université de Lorraine) and Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir (author, to be confirmed) on the links between mythology and hagiography in the medieval Scandinavian world.

Discussion with Clovis Maillet and Ciretta Cascina (activist), on the LGBTQIA+ community, Femminielle rituals linked to the Virgin of Montevergine (Campania).

Discussion with Patrick Boucheron (Collège de France) and Amalia Laurent (artist, resident in 2024-2025) on the appropriation of ritual sites by contemporary art, based on the example of the artist’s performance at the Sainte-Chapelle.