Elizabeth Lastra

Elizabeth Lastra is an Assistant Professor of Art at Vassar College since 2020. She specializes in medieval European art, focusing on northern Spanish art and society during the 11th-12th centuries. Her research examines urbanization, pilgrimage dynamics, and religious pluralism. She holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from UNC Chapel Hill.

Her major projects include the book Art and Authority in Medieval Spain: The Story of Carrión, exploring Carrión de los Condados' urbanization, and digital initiatives like RomanesqueSpain and The Pilgrim’s Guide. These projects employ 3D modeling and gigapixel photography to democratize access to medieval art.

• Research awards: Metropolitan Museum, Fulbright, Casa de Velázquez
• Teaches courses on Islamic art, medieval pilgrimage, and digital art history
• Develops innovative digital tools for art preservation and education

Her work bridges traditional art historical research with cutting-edge digital methods, emphasizing accessibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.