Justin Willson

Justin Willson is a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Art History Leadership at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Case Western Reserve University. His research focuses on medieval art, particularly Byzantium and Russia, emphasizing premodern theories of aesthetic value and the history of interpretation. He earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University in 2021, writing a dissertation advised by Charles Barber, Beatrice Kitzinger, and Paul Bushkovitch. His work bridges archival research with theoretical frameworks, producing interdisciplinary insights into cultural production.

Willson's research has been supported by prestigious institutions including the Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, the Center for the Study of Religion, and the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture. His current projects include two books: *The Moods of Early Russian Art* (Muscow's art interpretation history) and *The Visual Culture of Late Byzantium and the Early Modern Orthodox World* (Cambridge University Press), an archival project encompassing cultural centers across the Ottoman Empire's sphere.

In addition to academic work, Willson leads public engagement initiatives at the Cleveland Museum of Art, fostering collaborations between curators, artists, and local communities. Recent projects include a Judaica-focused outreach program featuring lectures, workshops, and art studies. His interdisciplinary interests extend to music composition and poetry translation, reflecting his belief in the humanities' enduring relevance.

• Education: Ph.D. in Art and Archaeology (Princeton University, 2021); B.A. in Philosophy and Literature (University of Georgia)
• Awards: Olivia Remie Constable Award (2021), Frank J. Mather Jr. Memorial Award (2019), Fulbright Grant (2018–19)
• Grants: Supported by Hillwood Estate, Dumbarton Oaks, and the Committee for the Study of Late Antiquity