Faculty Mentor
Grant Gearhart
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Arts & Humanities
Department
Department of World Languages & Cultures
Abstract
The 15th and 16th centuries represent some of the most historically significant years for the Spanish Kingdom. The Spanish Inquisition, consequent subjugation of the moors, and discovery and conquest of the Americas each display a unique strength and objective of the Spaniards within the late 1400s and early 1500s. As these events altered the world, so too did they alter forms of dress. The integration of Muslims into Spanish society opened the door for Moorish influence in certain elements of Spanish dress, especially regarding decorative elements like embroidery. The conquering of foreign lands provided a wealth of gold, gems, and fine fabrics for Spanish tailors to use in the most lavish of ways. Overall, the political power Spain garnered during this time period allowed for extravagant changes to Spanish dress at the time, especially in royal garments.
This project aims to analyze the extent to which the political events of the time period altered the evolution of Spanish dress. Through a synthesis of illustrations, portrait paintings, written texts, drawings, and other similar sources from the era, I will evaluate these events’ impact on Spanish Dress. I will specifically explore the Muslim influences on Spanish dress and the extent to which this influence was spread, as well as the effect of the influx of new riches as a result of the globalization of the Spanish Kingdom in this time. Overall, this study will illustrate how large-scale political events of a historically significant time period can affect the daily decisions of Spanish citizens.
Program Description
.
DOI
10.20429/GS4.2026.008
Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Pemberton, Kennedy, "A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Medieval and Early Modern Iberian Dress" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 90.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/90
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Medieval and Early Modern Iberian Dress
Russell Union Ballroom
The 15th and 16th centuries represent some of the most historically significant years for the Spanish Kingdom. The Spanish Inquisition, consequent subjugation of the moors, and discovery and conquest of the Americas each display a unique strength and objective of the Spaniards within the late 1400s and early 1500s. As these events altered the world, so too did they alter forms of dress. The integration of Muslims into Spanish society opened the door for Moorish influence in certain elements of Spanish dress, especially regarding decorative elements like embroidery. The conquering of foreign lands provided a wealth of gold, gems, and fine fabrics for Spanish tailors to use in the most lavish of ways. Overall, the political power Spain garnered during this time period allowed for extravagant changes to Spanish dress at the time, especially in royal garments.
This project aims to analyze the extent to which the political events of the time period altered the evolution of Spanish dress. Through a synthesis of illustrations, portrait paintings, written texts, drawings, and other similar sources from the era, I will evaluate these events’ impact on Spanish Dress. I will specifically explore the Muslim influences on Spanish dress and the extent to which this influence was spread, as well as the effect of the influx of new riches as a result of the globalization of the Spanish Kingdom in this time. Overall, this study will illustrate how large-scale political events of a historically significant time period can affect the daily decisions of Spanish citizens.
