Meet the Author of Mona's Eyes: Thomas Schlesser

In English. 

Art historian and novelist Thomas Schlesser joins art historian Beth Gersh-Nesic to  discuss his brilliant coming-of-age novel about a 10-year-old girl who loses her sight for an hour and then spends a year learning how to see, guided by her beloved grandfather, Henry, whom she calls Dadé. Together they visit the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou to study one artwork each week because Henry wants Mona to memorize all the beauty and knowledge that art masterpieces can deliver, if indeed she becomes blind one day.  Thanks to their lively banter, Mona and the reader learn about life, love, and how to look for the wisdom artists may convey through their art.  Professor Schlesser will also tell the audience about his new novel, recently released in France, Le Chat du Jardinier (Albin Michel, 2026).

Thomas Schlesser is the director of the Hartung-Bergman Foundation in Antibes, France. He teaches Art History…