Crisis and Transfiguration: The Turning of the Quattrocento, 1499 CE

 
 

The Quattrocento committee will explore the social, political, cultural and artistic issues of Renaissance Italy. At the turn of the 15th century, Florence embarked on a period of cultural and political overhaul. No longer did Italian life value vanity and artistic beauty, but it now prioritized religious uniformity. The famous “burning of the vanities” did not sit well with the banished Medici’s nor their loyal followers, including many artists. These social issues manifested in artistic productions of the time and it will be the role of the committee to continue Renaissance advancements and achieve artistic excellence. Some art, such as painting, was considered supreme compared to sculpture and poetry. How will the artists navigate these challenges? How will they work together to disseminate their work whilst adhering to the strict style and expectations of their patrons? Will you choose to be a loyal Medici follower or follow Savonarola? Which kind of art is best and how will you exert your influence?

 

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the Harvard Model United Nations Quattrocento Committee! My name is Alice Ferguson, and I am thrilled to serve as your Director for the conference. 

I am a senior at Harvard living in Eliot House and I study history and government, with a focus in national security and intelligence. At Harvard I participate in the Harvard College Consulting Group, work at the on-campus bar and compete on the Model UN circuit. Outside of school I love hot yoga and I am a huge coffee enthusiast. 

Beyond my academic background, my passions lie in Italian Renaissance Art. I spent the previous summer living in Florence, where I studied Italian cultural life through the lens of the Cold War. I am thrilled to be able to share my passion with you all and I hope you are able to leave this committee with a newfound appreciation of art and art history. 

As we engage with this committee, I look forward to seeing how you approach the cultural, social and political issues of Quattrocento Florence. I encourage you to see art more deeply and to consider how artists served as diplomats, pioneers and politicians. I also encourage you to bring to the committee an unwavering commitment in fostering fruitful dialogue between one another and to build a welcoming committee environment.

Model UN has served as an invaluable learning and social opportunity throughout my college career. I truly believe what you put into a committee is what you get out. Whether this is your first conference or one of your last, I hope to make this committee as enriching as possible. I look forward to meeting you all and please, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

Alice Ferguson

Director, Crisis and Transfiguration: The Turning of the Quattrocento, 1499 CE

quattrocento@harvardmun.org

Harvard Model United Nations 2025

 
 

Dear Delegates,

My name is Mariana Ramirez Cabal, and I’m very excited to welcome you all to this year’s Harvard Model United Nations. 

I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia and am currently a junior at Harvard studying economics and neuroscience. In terms of MUN, I started out my journey in High School and at Harvard, I’ve served both Boston conferences in different capacities, as well as directed at HACIA Democracy, and staffed HNMUN-LA as Director and USG for Administration. Beyond MUN and academics, I spend my time dancing!

Last summer I saw a British Parliament-style competitive debate for the first time in many years, and even tough its format is very different from that of MUN, I was reminded of the benefits that MUN offers its students. MUN helps you develop a very specific set of skills that I’ve found very helpful in my journey and hopefully you will too. From research, to formality and diplomacy, To public speaking and negotiation, MUN has a lot to offer so I expect this committee to be a hub where all of you will keep developing these skills. 

With all this being said, I am excited to see you all soon at HMUN 2025! The best of luck dealing with the drama and intrigue of the Quattrocento.

Sincerely,

Mariana Ramirez Cabal

Crisis Director, Crisis and Transfiguration: The Turning of the Quattrocento, 1499 CE

quattrocento@harvardmun.org

Harvard Model United Nations 2025