Jean French (1937–2019)
May 7, 2019
To: The Bard Community
It is with great sadness that I communicate the death of Jean M. French, Edith C. Blum Professor Emerita of Art History, who was a member of the Bard faculty from 1971 until her retirement in 2011 and spearheaded the growth of the Art History Program. A distinguished medievalist, she was deeply engaged in contemporary art and helped forge links between the study of art history and the making of art. A long-time resident on the campus, Jean was a vital leading member of the Bard community. She bore her illness with exceptional dignity as she did the tragic death of her two children. There are few who can equal her courage, her warmth, and her dedication to teaching.
Post Date: 05-07-2019