Anne Hagopian

Anne Hagopian van Buren (1927 – October 13, 2008) was an art historian who studied 14th- and 15th-century Netherlandish art. She attended and graduated from Radcliffe College. As an undergraduate student, she did computing work at the Harvard College Observatory. She earned a Ph.D. in art history from Bryn Mawr College and taught at Tufts University from 1975 to 1984. After graduating, she left astronomy to marry theologian Paul van Buren and have four children. She is remembered as a prominent expert in 14th and 15th Netherlandish art who proudly used her scientific training to enhance her art history research.

Hagopian's article "Reality and Literary Romance in the Park of Hesdin" explores the literary origins of motifs found in Robert d'Artois's garden at Hesdin. Hagopian wrote that "the imagery from French romances is realized at Hesdin".

Early life Anne was born in 1927 to parents of diverse cultural backgrounds; her mother hails from Switzerland, while her father originates from Francophone Cairo. Anne's educational journey was characterized by its breadth and excellence. She received extensive training in astronomy, culminating in her achievement of top honors in the national science scholarship competition. This accolade granted her a scholarship worth $2400, which facilitated her enrollment at Radcliffe College. Subsequently, she seamlessly integrated her scientific expertise into the field of art history. After her time as a professor at Tufts University, she offered her help to outside programs. Following her departure from full-time teaching, Anne continued to contribute to academia by offering her expertise at prestigious institutions such as Brown University and the University of Amsterdam. Following the passing of her husband, she devoted more time to her pursuits in New York City. During this period, she delved into the study of dress depicted in medieval manuscripts, further enriching her scholarly repertoire.

Selected publications

van Buren, Anne Hagopian (2011). Illuminating Fashion: Dress in the Art of Medieval France and the Netherlands, 1325-1515. New York : The Morgan Library & Museum.