Professor Dr. Sabine Sommerer

Biography

Sabine Sommerer is a scientific collaborator at the Kunsthistorisches Institut, University of Zurich, focusing on medieval art and architecture. She completed her doctorate with distinction at the University of Basel, where she developed her expertise in the study of medieval mural paintings and the significance of thrones in medieval culture. Over the past years, she has held numerous academic positions within prestigious institutions, including a postdoctoral fellowship at the Bibliotheca Hertziana in Rome. Her research interests include the function and significance of medieval seating, medieval mural painting, and art history's architectural narratives. Sommerer has curated exhibitions and authored various publications concerning the cultural aspects of medieval artifacts. She teaches undergraduate and graduate seminars and lectures at the University of Zurich, contributing significantly to the academic community. Her ongoing habilitation project investigates the meaning and role of medieval seating in socio-cultural contexts, showcasing the depth of her insights into this specialized field.

Research Interests