Mizzou Art History PhD Student Samuel Bazdresch Presents Research at SECAC and the Newberry Library’s Medieval + Monsters Conference
During the Fall 2025 semester, Mizzou School of Visual Studies Art History PhD student Samuel Bazdresch represented the University of Missouri at two major academic conferences: the Medieval + Monsters Conference at the Newberry Library in Chicago and the Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC). His research examined how societies define and visualize monstrosity across historical periods—ranging from early modern festival manuscripts to contemporary American comics.
Bazdresch at the Medieval + Monsters Conference
At the Newberry Library, Bazdresch presented “A Monster Named Osiander,” a study of a 1603 illumination documenting the final Schembartlauf, a Germanic Carnival‑season celebration. The illumination features theologian Andreas Osiander surrounded by five devils aboard a “Ship of Fools”—a unique depiction among the more than eighty extant Schembartbücher.
Using Monster Theory, Bazdresch analyzed why Osiander was framed as monstrous and how this visual characterization reflects cultural anxieties and artistic agency in early modern Nuremberg. His research also contributes to ongoing debates about the autonomy of artists who produced Schembartbücher.
Bazdresch describes the experience as both affirming and energizing:
“The overall experience was incredibly productive and enlightening. Not only were both papers well received, but I learned a great deal about the state of the field. I was encouraged to find others asking similar questions about definitions and representations of monsters.”
He appreciated discovering colleagues examining similar themes—from medieval manuscripts to modern comics—and left Chicago with professional connections, future conference invitations, and potential publication leads.
Presenting Hellboy Research at SECAC
Later in the semester, Bazdresch presented his second paper, “Hellboy: A Critical Analysis on the Amalgamation of Monsters and Heroes,” at SECAC. Focusing on Mike Mignola’s Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, he explored how the comic complicates distinctions between monster and hero. His visual and theoretical analysis positions Hellboy as a “Monstrous Hero,” reflecting American anxieties shaped by U.S. foreign policy from WWII through the Cold War.
The session sparked thoughtful discussion around pop culture, social relevance, fan art, and intellectual property—conversations that further enriched Bazdresch’s research approach.
SECAC also offered him opportunities to engage with art history pedagogy:
“The diversity of sessions broadened my understanding of how my research intersects with other fields. Sessions on pedagogy offered great ideas for developing assessments that discourage AI misuse while emphasizing the real-world relevancy of course material.”
A Semester of Growth and Scholarly Momentum
Together, the Medieval + Monsters Conference and SECAC provided Samuel Bazdresch with invaluable scholarly experience, affirmation of his research direction, and new ideas for teaching and academic engagement. His work this semester highlights the intellectual vibrancy of Mizzou’s Art History PhD program and reflects the School of Visual Studies’ commitment to interdisciplinary, socially engaged scholarship.
Bazdresch returned to Mizzou with strengthened networks, new friendships, and a deepened understanding of how historical and contemporary visual cultures use monstrosity to explore identity, power, and cultural anxieties.
(Ai was used to assist in the generation of this article)