Interpreting Early Modern Gun Culture, An Art Museum's Dilemma

February 20, 2020 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Pre-modern firearms are complex and complicated objects. While they were designed to be effective weapons, they were also aesthetic objects. Museums collect these weapons because they are exquisite examples of craftsmanship and artistry. What sort of ethical issues must be considered when a museum displays these objects of art and violence? Can understanding the deep history of guns and gun violence be useful to us in the present? Jonathan Tavares will share with us his perspective on curating historic arms and armor in 21st-century America.

Location and Address

CL 501 - 4-6pm