Hybrid exhibition: Rebellion or struggle for freedom? Interpretations of the "Peasant's War" up to the modern era

Holzschnitt des Petrarca-Meisters. In: Franciscus Petrarca: Von der Artzney bayder Glück. Augsburg 1532 © München, SB, Rar. 2266, Titelblatt

The exhibition, which was developed by students and researchers at the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies at the University of Würzburg in 2024/25, shows the continuing impact of the so-called 'Peasants' War' using highlights from art, literature and historical culture from the 16th to 21st centuries.

The uprising of the 'common man' in 1525 was not only a formative event in history, but also an event in German literary and art history. For centuries, the 'Peasants' Revolt' was politically instrumentalised, exploited by the media, interpreted in master narratives, turned into a projection screen for social ideologies, transformed and reshaped by visual artists, reshaped by the means of literature, and processed in terms of didactics and historical culture.

The hybrid exhibition provides insights into this constant remodelling and reshaping of history: The 'Peasants' War' proves that "history" does not simply happen, but is rather "made". It is precisely at this point that the academic study of history becomes a highly topical and political educational task.

Supported by:

Hubland Süd, Geb. PH1

Picture credits