The course focuses on French modern and contemporary art from colonial and decolonial perspectives. Among other topics, we will examine the tensions between Republic and Empire, imperial and colonial collecting policies, and processes of cultural circulation. Additional focal points include questions of gender, race, class, and intersectionality, power-critical approaches, as well as Orientalism. Through visits to museums, and exhibitions, we aim to investigate France’s imperial worldmaking and its forms of representation that continue into the present.

During the excursion, we will engage with institutions on site, their modes of representation, and their histories, while critically examining exhibition and collecting practices through a power-critical lens. In addition to museum and library visits, an excursion to Malmaison, the imperial garden of Joséphine Bonaparte, is planned. We also intend to meet with colleagues at theGerman Center for Art History (Centre allemand d’histoire de l’art) and aim to learn more about the research institute and its activities.

• Preparation and moderation of a reading for the joint seminar discussion (15.10.),

• Presentation of an object, artwork, or site in Paris,

• Full participation in all seminar sessions and throughout the entire excursion,

• Writing a seminar paper.

The seminar andthe excursion can only be taken together.

As the number of participants is limited to 12, we circulated the announcement for this course back in June, asking participants to send a statement of interest by email by 30 June 2026. Registration can only be confirmed here once you have received confirmation of your place.

• Independent organization of travel to Paris (8 November) and return travel from Paris (13 November),

• A personal contribution of EUR 50.00 (to be deposited with the Department of Art History office after confirmation of registration: VZA 7, 4th floor, room 445).

As only seminar participants are permitted to take part in the field trip, it is essential that you register for the seminar.