John Varriano

Art historian, food historian, author, and artist

John Varriano: Art Historian, Food Historian, Author and Artist

John Varriano earned a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Michigan and held the Idella Plimpton Kendall Professorship of Art at Mount Holyoke College until retiring in 2009. Over the course of his career he has published six books and more than 50 articles on Italian Renaissance and Early Modern art and cuisine, and he has lectured across America and Europe. His work has been translated into Italian and Spanish, and he has lived for extended periods in Italy, France, and Malta. Professor Varriano is available to give lectures on art and culinary history.

Portrait of John Varriano, art historian and food historian
John Varriano

About John Varriano

John Varriano is an art historian and food historian whose career combines university teaching, scholarly publishing, and public lecturing. The sections below summarize his background, his research interests, and how to explore his books, articles, and lectures.

Areas of expertise

His research and teaching focus on Italian Renaissance and Early Modern art and cuisine — two fields he has studied side by side throughout his published work.

Books and publications

His six books and more than 50 articles on Italian Renaissance and Early Modern art and cuisine are listed on the Books and Articles pages.

Lectures and speaking

Professor Varriano has lectured extensively throughout America and Europe. A list of invited lectures can be found on the Lectures page, and inquiries can be sent through the Contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Varriano?
John Varriano is an art historian, food historian, author, and artist. He earned his Ph.D. in art history at the University of Michigan and was Idella Plimpton Kendall Professor of Art at Mount Holyoke College until his retirement in 2009.
What subjects does he specialize in?
His published work focuses on Italian Renaissance and Early Modern art and cuisine.
How many books and articles has he published?
He has published six books and more than 50 articles, and his work has been translated into Italian and Spanish.
Is John Varriano available for lectures?
Yes. Professor Varriano is available for lectures on art and culinary history, and he has lectured widely across America and Europe.
Where can I find his books, articles, and lectures?
See the Books, Articles, and Lectures pages, or use the Contact page for inquiries.

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Whether you are a student of the Italian Renaissance, a reader curious about the history of food, or an organizer looking for a speaker, this site gathers John Varriano's scholarship in one place. Browse the Books and Articles pages to see his published work, or visit the Lectures page to learn about his speaking engagements.