British Academy has chosen 15 humanities and social sciences research projects to exhibit at its annual Summer Showcase, a free festival of ideas for curious minds, to take place on 21-22 June in the Academy’s central London home.

Dr Leah Clark, a Senior Lecturer of Art History at The Open University will exhibit her work on

What can Renaissance art tell us about global trade?

In the Renaissance, the expansion of trade led to objects from around the world making their way into European homes. These objects, which ranged from ceramics and glass to incense burners and metalwork, frequently featured in paintings of the time including Andrea Mantegna’s Adoration of the Magi. With a focus on Mantegna’s masterpiece, this exhibit explores the objects found within the painting and asks what they can tell us about diplomacy, trade, collecting and cultural exchange during this period. Find out more about trade routes, immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the Renaissance and step into the painting yourself to create your own interpretation of this iconic scene.