Johannes Grave

Prof. Dr. Johannes Grave is a Professor of Modern Art History at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, specializing in European Romanticism and historical image studies. He previously held positions at Bielefeld University and the German Forum for Art History in Paris. Grave earned his doctorate at Jena University (2005) and habilitation at the University of Basel (2012). His research focuses on image theory, temporality of art, practices of comparison, and 19th-century French and Italian art. He has led major research initiatives, including the 'Imaginamics' Cluster of Excellence and the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center 'Praktiken des Vergleichens.'

Grave's academic accolades include the Leibniz Prize (2020) and the Hans Janssen Prize (2013). He serves as Vice President of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and is a member of the Academia Europaea. He co-edits the journal Regards croisés and has authored influential books on Caspar David Friedrich, Giovanni Bellini, and art theory. Grave's work bridges historical analysis with contemporary debates on art, perception, and cultural heritage.

His research projects address themes like Romanticism's legacy, comparative practices in art, and the temporal dimensions of image reception. Grave has advised numerous doctoral students, contributing to the next generation of art historians. His interdisciplinary collaborations span philosophy, cultural studies, and digital humanities, reflecting his commitment to advancing art historiography.