Professor of American art and literature at the Université Paris Diderot and member of the Institut Universitaire de France, François Brunet (1960–2018) was a specialist in the history of photography. A prolific scholar, and dedicated teacher and mentor, Professor Brunet was instrumental in advancing the study of American art and visual culture in France through fostering networks of institutional collaboration and exchange. The Terra Foundation Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship is one among numerous programs that benefited from his time and energy. The conception of this study day is greatly indebted to his generous intellectual contributions.