Stokstad is a surname, most notably associated with Marilyn Stokstad (1929–2022), a distinguished American art historian, educator, and author. She was a Regents' Distinguished Professor Emerita of Art History at the University of Kansas and a highly influential figure in the study and teaching of art history.
Biography
Marilyn Stokstad was born on February 16, 1929, in Lawrence, Kansas. She earned her B.A. from Carleton College in 1950, her M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1953, and her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1957, specializing in medieval art. Her academic career at the University of Kansas began in 1958, where she taught for over four decades, profoundly impacting countless students and scholars. She also served as director of the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas from 1961 to 1968.
Contributions and Legacy
Stokstad is best known for her comprehensive and widely adopted textbook, Art History, first published in 1995 and now in its seventh edition (co-authored with Michael W. Cothren). This textbook has become a standard introductory text for art history courses in universities and colleges worldwide, recognized for its clarity, depth, and broad coverage of global art traditions.
Her scholarly work primarily focused on medieval art, particularly Spanish Romanesque sculpture. She was a prolific writer, editor, and lecturer, contributing significantly to the understanding and appreciation of art across various periods and cultures.
Throughout her career, Stokstad received numerous accolades for her teaching, scholarship, and service to the art history community. She was a Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America and a recipient of the College Art Association's Distinguished Teaching of Art History Award. Her work significantly shaped the pedagogical approach to art history, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.
Marilyn Stokstad passed away on March 15, 2022. Her legacy endures through her seminal textbook and her profound influence on generations of art historians and enthusiasts.
Selected Works
- Art History (first published 1995, numerous editions with Michael W. Cothren)
- Medieval Art (2004)
- The Medieval Treasure of Saint Denis (1986, co-edited with Peter Barnet)