Baghdad's Grand Medieval Bazaars

I've received several e-mails asking if I'll be presenting at the upcoming annual conference of the National Council for the Social Studies. The answer is yes, and I'll be presenting with the wonderful author and educator, Joan Brodsky Schur. Our workshop, "Baghdad's Grand Medieval Bazaars: How They Influenced Renaissance Art" will be presented in Room 706 of the Colorado Convention Center of Denver on Friday, November 12. We'll begin at 10:15, and end at 11:15. If you're interested in seeing the link between the magnificent markets of medieval Baghdad, and what I call the "stuff" paintings of the Renaissance, stop by! Joan will cover the Baghdad side, I'll be discussing the Renaissance desire for luxury goods from the Islamic markets, and how these trade items appeared as status indicators in Renaissance paintings, both secular and religious. Have you ever noticed the fake "Arabic" script in the Virgin Mary's halo? How about in the trim of the magnificent burial shrouds of some of Europe's most important religious leaders? Sound intriguing?Come to our workshop next Friday. If you can't make it, here are two terrific books to help you explore this subject: "Bazaar to Piazza: Islamic Trade and Italian Art, 1300-1600," by Rosamond E. Mack. Also, "The Renaissance Bazaar: From the Silk Road to Michelangelo," by Jerry Brotton. Two terrific researchers!