The Silk Route Across the Alps. Craftsmen Migrations, Commercial Exchanges & Social Relations Between France & Italy in the Early Modern Period

My research project aims at reconstructing the dynamics of the migration of silk weavers between Italy and France during the early modern age.

To do so, an interdisciplinary approach will be put in place that brings together socioeconomic history, migration, labor and gender studies, history of techniques and material culture.

Combining macro-historical, micro-historical and biographical reconstruction it will be possible to participate in the renewal of studies of migratory phenomena in the Early Modern period. By using digital humanities, a database will be created.

It will collect both demographic data, biographical information and visual and material evidence from Italian and French museums to answer questions such as: What is the balance between attraction/repulsion policies and integration/emargination dynamics? Who is the migrant artisan and why does he migrate?

What contribution does migration bring to the country of arrival and the country of departure?

The investigation of this subject will demonstrate that professional migrations played a key role in the success of the European silk industries in the old regime.Training in Italian and international historical research methods, and a close dialogue with historians and experts will be crucial for the realization of the project.

The results achieved will play a crucial role both in terms of academic results and societal impact.

Through the publication of articles in scientific journals, participation in conferences and the organisation of lectures and seminars, the results of the project will be widely disseminated.

In addition, extensive communication activities are planned (social networking, meetings with the general public and participation in events organised by the European Union).This project will represent an important starting point for my introduction into the academic field, allowing me to expand my skills and my network of knowledge through both European and non-European collaborations.