Unveiling Spain’s Historical Connection to China: A New Research Project
A groundbreaking study exploring the historical relationship between Spain and China during the Age of Enlightenment has received significant funding from the Fundación Ramón Areces. Led by Professor Antonio Calvo of the University of Málaga, the project, titled ‘El espejo chino: la monarquía hispánica y el Celeste Imperio en el culmen de la primera globalización’ (The Chinese Mirror: The Hispanic Monarchy and the Celestial Empire at the Height of the First Globalization), promises to shed new light on a pivotal period of intercultural exchange.
The Allure of the ‘Celestial Empire’
The research focuses on how China was perceived and influenced Spain and its empire – encompassing territories in the Americas and the Philippines – during the 18th century. Professor Calvo highlights that China was a global economic powerhouse during the Early Modern period, captivating European explorers and missionaries alike. The pursuit of Chinese goods like porcelain, silk, and spices drove exploration, while missionaries were drawn to the country’s ancient civilization.
This fascination extended beyond mere trade. According to Professor Calvo, China served as a metaphorical “mirror” for the Spanish Enlightenment. Intellectuals and politicians used the image of the Chinese emperor as a reflection of their own absolute monarchs, justifying their power through the concept of a benevolent, wise ruler.
A Globalized World in the 18th Century
The project will also investigate how the Spanish monarchy’s interactions with China – through its colonies in New Spain and the Philippines, as well as through missionaries and traders – shaped its understanding of the ‘Celestial Empire’. The complex relationship with the sangleyes, the Chinese population settled in Manila, will also be examined.
Funding and Collaborative Research
The Fundación Ramón Areces has awarded 40,000 euros to support the project, which will be carried out over the coming years. Professor Calvo will lead a team of eight experts from various Spanish universities, comprising five researchers and three support staff. This funding underscores the Fundación’s commitment to fostering high-quality research in the humanities.
The Ramón Areces Foundation’s Commitment to Humanities Research
This project is the second from the University of Málaga to be selected in the Fundación Ramón Areces’s competitive National Competition for Humanities Research Aid. The foundation aims to strengthen Spain’s scientific and technological infrastructure, addressing societal challenges in areas like science, education, culture, and economics.
Future Trends in Historical and Intercultural Studies
Professor Calvo’s research exemplifies a growing trend in historical studies: a move towards global and interconnected narratives. Rather than focusing solely on European history, scholars are increasingly examining the complex interactions between different cultures and civilizations.
The Rise of Global Microhistory
A related trend is the rise of “global microhistory,” which uses detailed case studies to illuminate broader historical processes. By focusing on specific interactions between Spain and China, Professor Calvo’s project contributes to this approach. This methodology allows for a nuanced understanding of globalization’s early stages.
Digital Humanities and Historical Research
The field of Digital Humanities is also transforming historical research. The use of digital tools and databases allows scholars to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that would be impossible to detect through traditional methods. While not explicitly mentioned in the project description, it’s likely that digital tools will play a role in analyzing the sources related to Sino-Spanish interactions.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Cultural Exchange
The project’s emphasis on intercultural exchange highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Combining insights from history, philology, and art history – as demonstrated by the team’s composition – provides a more comprehensive understanding of cultural phenomena. This holistic approach is becoming increasingly common in humanities research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main focus of Professor Calvo’s research?
A: The project examines the historical relationship between Spain and China during the Age of Enlightenment, focusing on how China was perceived and influenced Spanish society and its empire.
Q: How much funding has the project received?
A: The Fundación Ramón Areces has awarded 40,000 euros to support the research.
Q: What is the significance of the Fundación Ramón Areces?
A: The foundation supports scientific and technological advancement in Spain, particularly in the humanities, and promotes research addressing societal challenges.
Q: What is meant by the “first globalization”?
A: This refers to the period of increased interconnectedness between different parts of the world that began in the Early Modern period, driven by exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.
Did you recognize? The pursuit of Chinese porcelain was so intense in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that it led to the development of European porcelain manufacturing techniques.
Pro Tip: Exploring the history of intercultural exchange can provide valuable insights into contemporary global challenges.
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