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Conversion Narratives in Early Modern Europe

A Cross-Confessional and Comparative Study, 1550-1700

Michelangelo, Conversion of Saul, 1542-5

‘Conversion Narratives in Early Modern Europe’ is a three-year project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, that seeks to uncover people’s experience of religious change and devotional practice between 1550 and 1700.

Please explore the news and resources on these pages, or find out more about our research and activities on the project blog. You can also follow us on twitter.

Virtue and Vice

Visit the 'Virtue and Vice' exhibition at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, to learn how England was transformed by the political, religious, and social upheaval known as the Reformation, and by the global confrontations and exchanges made possible by travel, trade, and exploration. All of these threads twine together in the rich history of Hardwick Hall, and the colourful life of its builder, Bess.

The logo for the exhibition, which has been curated by the Conversion Narratives project team, in collaboration with the National Trust, shows part of one of three magnificent hangings at Hardwick, which illustrate the theological virtues - faith, temperance, and hope - and their opposing vices. Here, 'Faith' triumphs over 'false religion', personified in the figure of 'Mahomet'.

Read more about the process of creating the exhibition on our blog.

Download our app

We have created a mobile app to accompany the exhibition. Download 'Virtue and Vice' for Android or Apple handheld devices and mobile phones.