CEEH Centro de Estudios Europa Hispánica

Leading Hispanist Jonathan Brown has died

We deeply mourn the loss of Jonathan Brown (1939−2022), professor of fine arts at the Fine Arts Institute (NYU). His death has left a huge void in Spanish art history and also at the CEEH, where he had been a member of our scientific committee since its establishment. His advice, generosity and wisdom have made an indelible mark on our activities over these years.

His work on Velázquez and Spanish Golden Age painting – which he set in an international context and opened up to scholars from other disciplines – has made an impression on several generations of art historians. Brown mapped out a new course for Spanish historiography and many of our publications could not be understood without his influence.

We share the profound sadness of his colleagues, friends and family and remember him with gratitude and affection in the best way that a historian can be remembered: through all the projects in which we were lucky enough to benefit from his involvement.