The Colorful Souls project aims to build an international and interdisciplinary network focused on the potential of the study of colors in the Middle Ages. From popular culture, the misconception of a dark medieval past, in which the cultural tradition of the classical world was forgotten, still survives in some contemporary settings. This black and white image of the Middle Ages contrasts with the numerous scientific studies that have analyzed the dimension of medieval color from different fields of research.

Our project  aims  to  rescue  the  value  of  medieval  color  as  it  was  conceived  in  the  broad European  spectrum  between  the  5th  and  15th  centuries,  especially  highlighting  the  Christian sphere in the interconnection with Jewish and Islamic culture, a purely innovative aspect from its approach.  The  traditionally  isolated  works  of  the  various  specialists  in  color  (from  their  artistic, technical, symbolic or material dimension) can throw numerous new possibilities by opening up to the connection with other disciplines of study and the perception of a global Middle Ages, beyond the  local  peculiarities  of  each  region  or  country,  as  well  as  new  innovative,  collaborative  work methodologies. Therefore, we are framing our network from an international conference that allows its different partners, as well as invited specialists, to identify and explore meeting points between disciplines and countries, with a view to future joint financing options. 

 

     

Finally, this proposal binds to the Sustainable Development Goals, which are to govern European research for the coming years, based on the 2030 Agenda. More specifically, the project undertakes to implement in all of its work processes some actions that ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all (G4) and achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (G5). In parallel, the activities of the network have to do with building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation –especially in the field of cultural heritage– and reducing inequality within and among countries in research (G10). Besides, the construction of the network itself fits perfectly with the establishment of international alliances aligned with the objectives (G17).