Call for submissions of original works for the 2027 monographic dossier

2026-02-12

New proposal for a monographic dossier in Atrio. Revista de Historia del Arte, 2027.

Dispersion of Heritage: New Perspectives on the Sales, Thefts, Dispossession, Plunder, and Restitution of Cultural Heritage.

Editors: María José Martínez Ruiz (Universidad de Valladolid) and Zara Ruiz Romero (Universidad de Sevilla).

One of the most profound determinants of cultural heritage between the 19th and 20th centuries is the decontextualization of countless artifacts, resulting from a variety of circumstances. This was the case with imperialist actions of military and economic domination over various territories, which led to plunder and looting. Equally decisive was the strong demand for works of art driven by the international trade and collecting of antiquities during the period of formation of important museums and private collections, which encouraged the buying, selling, and exporting of all kinds of works. All of this resulted in the removal and relocation of artifacts that are currently preserved, and interpreted in diverse ways, in spaces far removed from their original locations.

Among the current challenges for art historians, archaeologists, jurists, museum curators, public administrations, owners, and cultural managers is understanding the stories that led these artifacts to their new locations; also, revealing the provenance of many of them whose origin is still unknown. as well as investigating the circumstances, legal or clandestine, that facilitated their journey. Likewise, it is crucial to elucidate the role played by those involved in these relocations and their interests, whether they were antique dealers, art dealers, collectors, thieves, members of an occupying army, or agents of various kinds who participated in these operations.

The measures adopted in response to this dispersal are diverse, such as cultural dialogue, with initiatives that seek to connect the places of origin with current conservation spaces—for example, by creating reproductions that attempt to fill the void left by these relocations in the original locations. The implementation of restitution processes has also gained momentum. Therefore, there is no doubt that these issues constitute important challenges of our time. In such debates, the well-being of the works is sometimes overshadowed by vehement discourses driven by various concerns. From the academic world, we have a responsibility to offer scientifically rigorous answers, free from the passion that sometimes clouds these topics, and that emphasize the history and unique circumstances of each work.

Key Dates:

Questions and inquiries to: monografico.atrio@gmail.com

See the call for papers at this link: https://www.upo.es/revistas/index.php/atrio/libraryFiles/downloadPublic/233

We remind you that in addition to proposals for this issue, we are still accepting articles for the next issue that align with the journal's themes.