Janetta Rebold Benton

Art Historian

Janetta Rebold Benton is the Distinguished Professor of Art History at Pace University, New York. She has lectured for many years at the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has been a lecturer on trips all over the world for both institutions. Once a resident of Paris, Janetta has lived in St. Petersburg, Russia and Hangzhou, China on Fulbright Senior Scholar Awards, serving as visiting professor in the graduate schools of art history at European University and the China Academy of Art.

Janetta has authored 10 art history books (with translations into multiple languages), as well as numerous scholarly articles and reviews published in Austria, China, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, and the U.S. She holds degrees/diplomas from Harvard University, Brown University, George Washington University, and Cornell University.

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Testimonials

Janetta's contribution was superb. Her presentations were organized, accessible, and gave content to the sites.

— Robert B., A River Cruise through Burgundy and Provence

Janetta's depth of knowledge, approachability [and] charming character...added a richness to our journey.

— Donald R., Treasures of the Alps

Q&A with Janetta Rebold Benton

Q. What kinds of insights do you feel art history themes will bring to our travelers?

A. In addition to an appreciation and enjoyment of the beauty of the art and architecture we will see, I hope people will approach art history as historical documentation of our past. Works of art are irrefutable records of social structure, economics, religious beliefs, politics, and more. The visual arts reveal the inspiration and ideas, the inventions and accomplishments of creative individuals through the centuries—shared today with Smithsonian Journeys travelers.

Q. What do you enjoy most about accompanying Smithsonian Journeys travelers?

A. I love the people and my interactions with them! They are extremely varied in their careers, interests, lifestyles, and past experiences. Guests are assured of traveling with compatible people, which I have found result repeatedly in genuine lasting friendships based on a shared journey.