Proust Questionnaire 24: Christine Coulson, Writer

Summary

What happens in museum when the crowds have gone?

Christine Coulson's exquisite book, Metropolitan Stories, imagines the inner lives of the artworks and precious objects that tell us so much about the past, the present but also our human future, while enduring stoically the millions of museum visitors' inquisitive, appreciative or indifferent gazes.

Christine was a senior curator at the Metropolitan Museum where she worked for over 25 years before becoming a full-time writer. The book is a love letter to the greatest temple to art in the United States, and an invitation for all of us to look again at the Metropolitan Museum, especially during the pandemic when museums had to remain closed for many dark months.

Ulrich Baer is University Professor at New York University where he teaches literature and photography, and writes frequently about photography, art, literature, and other subjects. He is also the host of the podcast “Think About It” and editorial director at Warbler Press. Caroline Weber is a specialist of French literature, history, and culture. She is Professor of French and Comparative Literature at Barnard College and Columbia University in New York City.

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Uli Baer and Caroline Weber

Ulrich Baer is University Professor at New York University where he teaches literature and photography, and writes frequently about photography, art, literature, and other subjects. He is also the host of the podcast “Think About It” and editorial director at Warbler Press. Twitter: @UliBaer; Intragram. Caroline Weber is a specialist of French literature, history, and culture. She is Professor of French and Comparative Literature at Barnard College and Columbia University in New York City. Twitter: @CorklinedRoom. Instagram.

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