About the event
Mary Somerville (1780–1872) made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, geology and meteorology. Her extensive and popular writing sought to uncover and conceptualise intangible and imperceptible forces such as climate.
Besides her scientific pursuits, Somerville was also a skilled landscape artist. Sarah Gould will explore how Somerville introduced fresh visual codes for picturing these boundless forces. This was especially crucial during the Industrial Revolution, when artists grappled with representing the transformed atmosphere they breathed.
After her death, Mary Somerville continued to inspire generations as the namesake of Somerville College, Oxford.
Programmed in collaboration with the Oxford Long Nineteenth Century Seminar.
Image credit: Mary Somerville, 'Castle by a Lake' (date unknown), Somerville College, University of Oxford.
Speaker
Sarah Gould is an Assistant Professor at Université Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne, where she focuses on the study of British art in both her research and teaching. Her academic interests lie primarily in the material and ecological meanings of art. She is also currently under contract with the French publishing house Cohen and Cohen to write a monograph on John Everett Millais.
Booking information
When you have booked your place, the ticketing system will send you an automated confirmation.
Location
This lecture will be held in person in the Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre at the Weston Library.
Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
Find us on Google Maps
Wheelchair access
The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible.
