John Klein

John Klein is a Professor of Art History and Archaeology at Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in Modern and Contemporary European and American Art, with a particular focus on Henri Matisse. He holds a PhD from Columbia University and has authored influential works such as Matisse Portraits (2001) and Matisse and Decoration (2018). His research explores Matisse’s late-career decorative works, including ceramics, stained glass, and textiles, alongside broader themes in modernist aesthetics.

Education:

• PhD in Art History, Columbia University

Research Interests: Klein’s work centers on 20th-century European art, particularly Matisse’s innovative techniques and the intersection of art and design. He examines how decorative arts reflect Matisse’s evolving artistic philosophy and cultural context.

Teaching: Klein teaches courses such as Introduction to Modern Art, Rethinking Dada and Surrealism, and The Art Museum: History and Theory. Recent seminars include More Than Eye Candy: The Decorative Aesthetic in Modernism and Who Is That? Critical Studies in Portraiture.

Recent Contributions: His 2018 book Matisse and Decoration analyzes Matisse’s late-career decorative commissions. He frequently lectures internationally, including keynote addresses at the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (Beijing) and conferences on Matisse’s legacy.

Advising & Grants: No advisees or grants are listed, though his extensive publication record indicates active scholarly collaboration.

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum and the Center for the Humanities at Washington University, where he contributes to exhibitions and interdisciplinary projects.