CfP: RSA 2026- Pyrotechnics and Gunpowder in Renaissance Europe
We invite papers for a panel on the topic of pyrotechnics for the upcoming Renaissance Society of America (RSA) Annual Meeting, held in San Francisco from February 19-21, 2026. This panel will be sponsored by the Science History Institute.
In anticipation of the upcoming exhibition on the history of fireworks at the Science History Institute, this panel seeks to study the multiple uses of pyrotechnics through the Renaissance, including their utilization in performances, ceremonies, rituals, and their connection to military engagements of the era.
The Renaissance saw an expansion in the popularity and variety of the use of gunpowder, both for military and entertainment purposes. How did pyrotechnics visually, auditorily, and olfactorily impact their spectators? How did the development of these spectacles intersect with military and scientific activities of the period? How might pyrotechnics be used to understand cultural and intellectual exchange? From recipes for gunpowder to souvenir booklets, this panel engages with the intersection between science and entertainment for gunpowder products.
Submissions should be sent to Jessica Hogbin by August 1st, 2025. Please include the paper title (15-word maximum), abstract (200-word maximum), and a CV.