Afterword Lea Paas Lang

Afterword

The Flemish art market of the early modern period was unique among European countries. Without the strict social structure that determined the value of art, Flemish artists were more independent in their work. Of course, religious and historical paintings remained prized atop the hierarchy of genres, but painters had more of an opportunity to depict that which they found beautiful. The cover of this year’s Babel is a beautiful 17th century still-life by Jan Davidz de Heem. De Heem is recognized by paintings such as this: luscious, vibrant still lives packed with opulent jewel-tones that shine against a dark background. The piece is relatively simple in subject, but the vivid oranges and hot pinks are instantly attentiongrabbing. I like to imagine the original owner hung the piece somewhere they could sit close-by, and study the way de Heem painted the glass vase, or notice the myriad critters amongst the foliage. This piece is one I myself would be proud to hang on my walls, and am so happy to place on my bookshelf.

Simple pleasures feel more important these days. I would be remiss to gloss over the circumstances that colour this year’s publication. As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps us “sheltering-in-place,” the space I am in, and the things I look at have become more important. I have learned to take pleasure in slow-moving mornings, the days I make my bed, and the meals I cook for my home. I feel a new closeness to the things I have chosen to decorate my space with, appreciating more and more how lucky I am to look at something beautiful. De Heem’s painting is simple, yes, but it is beautiful,

and I hope it is something we can take pleasure in no matter where or when.

The papers in this year’s journal, despite showcasing the variety of interests from EMSP students, all consider to one degree or another, how the early modern’s moved through spaces. Our authors explore how architectural spaces determine who belongs in them, how art changes space, and how academic work makes or takes space for oppressed populations. I chose Early Modern Studies because I sought human consistencies to feel as though our history was not as alien from us as we may think. Understanding that our spaces change our way of life is a human consistency reminds me that despite these spaces changing over time, I am only as human as those who came before me and will come after me. I implore our readers to see these consistencies in our author’s research; to use the stories of the early modern period to look closer at our own stories and spaces.

This journal, and the events run by this year’s EMSS, would not have been possible without the work of Sophie Lawall and Bronwyn Turnquist. Their passion, determination, and patience have been invaluable as my co-president and I navigated our roles. Sophie and Bronwyn, EMSP is lucky to have you, I cannot wait to see what comes next. Thank you to my co-president Zoë Sherwin for encouraging me to take on this role, for trusting me, and for your friendship. Thank you to Taryn Neufeld, our fourth-year rep, an attentive editor of Babel, and a delight to have in meetings. To our dedicated treasurer Em Grisdale, thank you for your knowledge, your consistency, and your humour. EMSP’s legendary parties are not the same without you. To our authors Caroline DeFrias, Ciara Gordon, Isabel Teramura, Isabelle Reynolds, Jacob Hermant, Andrew Burroughs, Graham O’Brien, and Catherine Charlton: thank you for trusting us with your work, thank you for your continued effort during this bizarre period of publication. Thank you to our external editors, Apolonnia Perri and Elsy Rytter, for your enthusiasm and work on this journal. I am so proud to call you my peers.

95 Thank you to Katy Weatherly, the Early Modern Studies Program’s grandmother, and our guide through this year on the EMSS. Thank you of course to the Early Modern Studies department, for their continued willingness to support and stand by their students. To our professors, faculty, and mentors, thank you for your passion and for encouraging our interests, we could not be this nerdy without you. Thank you to Etc. press for printing Babel. Thank you finally, to our readers, I hope you have learned something new or found something beautiful within these pages.

Lea Paas-Lang Co-President of the Early Modern Students’ Society 2019-2020