The 2024 Gifford Lectures at Aberdeen

We are delighted to welcome Professor Miri Rubin to deliver the 2024 Gifford Lectures. Miri holds a chair of Medieval and Early Modern History at Queen Mary University of London. She has taught at Cambridge and Oxford, has been a visiting scholar at several international research institutions, and delivered the Wiles Lectures at Queen’s University Belfast in 2017. She is the author of several books on aspects of medieval religion, and enjoys sharing her expertise with diverse audiences and through a variety of media.

The Feminine and the Religious Imagination

In this lecture series, Professor Miri Rubin will explore the presence, meanings and effects of the feminine in religious cultures. She will introduce texts, images and music associated with feminine figures and concepts in Christianity, while also casting a comparative gaze on other religions. The series includes four lectures, a concert in King’s College Chapel and an event at the Aberdeen Art Gallery, all in pursuit of a rich and illuminating consideration of the feminine. The series comprises the following events:

Lecture I                      Monday 26th February 2024, 6.00pm      

An Introduction, and Considering the Necessity of the Feminine                

- King’s College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen

- followed by drinks reception

 Lecture II                     Monday 4th March 2024, 6.00pm                

Daughter, Mother, Queen – Mary, Mother of God

- King’s College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen

 Lecture III                    Wednesday 6th March 2024, 7.30pm

Musical Event: Sounding the Feminine

- with the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir and Chapel Choir

- King’s College Chapel, University of Aberdeen

 Lecture IV                   Monday 11th March 2024, 6.00pm

The Feminine as Allegory: the Beloved

- King’s College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen

Lorenzo Vecchietta, Madonna of Humility Crowned by Two Angels, with Saints Francis and Dominic – Annunciation and Crucifixion, c.1430–c.1440, tempera on panel. Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

Lecture V                     Saturday 16th March 2024, 2.00pm

Gallery Event: The Visual Legacy of the Feminine

- A Conversation with Dr Joanne Anderson, with a Viewing

- Cowdray Hall, within Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill

 Lecture VI                   Monday 18th March 2024, 6.00pm                 

Beyond the Feminine          

- King’s College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen

- followed by drinks reception

All lectures are open to the public.

Please send any queries to giffordlectures@abdn.ac.uk