Christina Maranci: The Architectonics of History
Unusually, this episode was live-recorded as part of an all day “Zoomathon” from St. Vladimir’s Seminary. This was the closing event of a seven-hour broadcast on July 17, 2021, and I’m so grateful that Prof. Maranci agreed to be my interlocutor!
Christina Maranci is Arthur H. Dadian and Ara Oztemel Professor of Armenian Art and Architecture at Tufts University. Her research focuses on liturgical rites, early Christian art, and architectural history. She received her Ph.D. at Princeton University in the Art and Archaeology department. She is the recipient of Mellon and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Fellowships.
Maranci's research is mainly on medieval Armenian history and the relationship with the Sasanian, Byzantine, and Islamic empires. She also focuses on the problems found in modern historiography. Maranci's 2001 book Medieval Armenian Architecture: Constructions of Race and Nation highlights art historian Josef Strzygowski and his important contributions and influence in the studies of Armenian architecture. Her recent works focus on the Byzantine influence into Armenian art and architecture. She has published A Survival Guide for Art History Students (2004), which provides Art History students with helpful assistance and information to help them when taking Art History courses.
The languages Maranci researches in include Italian, English, German, French, Armenian (Classical and Modern) and Greek. Maranci is also deemed as one of the world's experts and authorities on the Cathedral of Mren, an Armenian cathedral in Turkey that is on the verge of collapse.
Dr. Maranci has worked closely with me on a volume awaiting publication, with the working title Rethinking Sacred Arts, stemming from some highly productive symposia held here at the Institute of Sacred Arts.
Second Symposium on Rethinking Sacred Arts, St. Vladimir’s Seminary. From left to right: Peter Jeffery, Peter Bouteneff, Fr Nicholas Samaras, Christina Maranci, Fr Ivan Moody, George Kordis, Evan Freeman, Charles Barber, Annemarie Weyl Carr, Tracy Gustilo, Richard Viladesau, Margot Fassler, and Richard Schneider.
