Can commissioning public art ensure a happy afterlife? Many wealty merchants in medieval Italy sure hoped so! Dr. Brian Pollick opens a window for us into their worldview and how it can enrich our own.
Brian was born in England in 1946 but grew up in Toronto after his parents
emigrated in 1952. After getting his BA from York University in 1967 he
embarked on multiple careers that included teaching, correctional services,
community and family justice services, and Information Technology
development. He has been a senior executive manager for the federal and
BC governments, as well as the non-profit and private sectors. He left paid
employment in 2007 and spent a year in France and Italy with his wife,
Heather Lindstedt, where he developed a passion for medieval art.
Brian returned to University in Victoria in 2009 and has since obtained his
MA and PhD in Art History. His particular area of research is how art
commissioned by wealthy merchants in 14 th C Italy was used by them as a
way of affirming and broadcasting their identity as honest business persons
and honourable civic and Christian citizens who were worthy of salvation.
He has presented numerous papers at Canadian and international
conferences and published several articles on this subject.
Brian has one son, Ian, and is the proud grandfather of two boys, Austin
and Logan who live in Toronto. Brian’s next major undertaking will be
pursuing another PhD at the University of Victoria, this time in history
looking at the institution of the Grand Tour.
Can commissioning public art ensure a happy afterlife? Many wealty merchants in medieval Italy sure hoped so! Dr. Brian Pollick opens a window for us into their worldview and how it can enrich our own.
Brian was born in England in 1946 but grew up in Toronto after his parents
emigrated in 1952. After getting his BA from York University in 1967 he
embarked on multiple careers that included teaching, correctional services,
community and family justice services, and Information Technology
development. He has been a senior executive manager for the federal and
BC governments, as well as the non-profit and private sectors. He left paid
employment in 2007 and spent a year in France and Italy with his wife,
Heather Lindstedt, where he developed a passion for medieval art.
Brian returned to University in Victoria in 2009 and has since obtained his
MA and PhD in Art History. His particular area of research is how art
commissioned by wealthy merchants in 14 th C Italy was used by them as a
way of affirming and broadcasting their identity as honest business persons
and honourable civic and Christian citizens who were worthy of salvation.
He has presented numerous papers at Canadian and international
conferences and published several articles on this subject.
Brian has one son, Ian, and is the proud grandfather of two boys, Austin
and Logan who live in Toronto. Brian’s next major undertaking will be
pursuing another PhD at the University of Victoria, this time in history
looking at the institution of the Grand Tour.