History of Art, Representations and Administration in Europe - HISTARA, EA 7347

The Histara Research Unit (EA 7347) brings together researchers from a variety of intellectual traditions whose approaches draw upon and integrate art history, archaeology and architecture, cultural and social history, and political and institutional history. Particular importance is attached to representations, which are examined both as primary sources and as historical phenomena worthy of study in their own right.

The research activities of the unit are structured around four cross-cutting research areas that explore the processes of creation, transmission, reception, and memorialization of artistic, cultural, political, and ideological productions.

1. Arts and Architecture
2. Memory, History, and Heritage
3. Figures of the State
4. Mapping Travel: Cultural Contributions and Imagined Realities

Particular attention is given to heritage governance, administrative institutions and cultural policies, the formation of art collections and princely, state, and religious libraries, as well as to practices of patronage. The research unit also places special emphasis on issues that bring together art history, religious studies, the history of political power, and intellectual history, notably the liturgical and political functions of visual and architectural forms, the performative dimension of symbolic forms, the development of civil, military, and sacred architectural typologies, and political and religious iconography.

Since 2019, Histara has coordinated the Military Heritage GIS (P2ATS). 

In addition to its permanent research staff, Histara brings together affiliated members, including international scholars, museum professionals, and former doctoral researchers, as well as approximately sixty students who actively contribute to the unit’s research projects and academic activities.

Director: Isabelle Saint-Martin

Deputy Director: François Queyrel

Unit website: https://histara.ephe.psl.eu/