Professor Darius Spieth speaks at ceremony at the Résidence de France. Photo by: Audoin de Vergnette / Consulat général de France à La Nouvelle-Orléans

Ceremony at the Résidence de France in New Orleans recognizes contributions to education and culture.

The Consulate General of France in New Orleans has decorated Darius A. Spieth, San Diego Alumni Association Chapter Alumni Professor in the LSU School of Art, with the rank of Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre des Palmes académiques, recognizing his distinguished contributions to French culture, scholarship and education. The ceremony took place Sept. 9, 2025, at the Résidence de France in New Orleans and was presided over by Consul General Rodolphe Sambou.

Founded by Napoleon in 1808 to honor educators, the Palmes académiques is among France’s oldest civil distinctions. Initially awarded within the university community, the order today recognizes those who have rendered eminent service to education and contributed to the prestige of French culture.

Consul General presents the Palmes académiques insignia to LSU art historian Darius A. Spieth during a ceremony at the Résidence de France. Photo by: Audoin de Vergnette / Consulat général de France à La Nouvelle-Orléans

In remarks delivered in French, Spieth reflected on his lifelong affinity for France and paid tribute to students and colleagues. “I am deeply moved to receive this decoration. For more than forty years, I have loved French culture and the French language,” he said, adding: “My students inspire me every day—what I do, I do for them.” He noted that the recognition underscores the importance of French culture, including the fine arts, in Louisiana.

Rod Parker, director of the LSU School of Art, praised Spieth’s impact as a scholar-teacher who introduces French art and ideas to broad audiences. “Darius exemplifies the best of LSU: rigorous scholarship that reaches students where they are. His work on art markets and modern art from the eighteenth century to the present—and the way he brings French visual culture into the classroom—has shaped generations of students. This honor from France recognizes that rare combination of intellectual leadership and public-minded teaching.”

A specialist in modernism and the economics of art, Spieth’s research spans art markets, intellectual history, and French visual culture. His publications include Revolutionary Paris and the Market for Netherlandish Art (Brill, 2018) and Napoleon’s Sorcerers: The Sophisians (University of Delaware Press, 2007). He serves as subject editor for Art Markets, Law and Economics for the Grove Dictionary of Art (Oxford University Press) and Oxford Art Online; a printed volume, Grove Guide to Art Markets, is forthcoming in spring 2026.

Spieth was recently named LSU Distinguished Research Master and Sternberg Professor in the Arts for 2024–25 in the Ogden Honors College. Students on campus have named him “favorite professor” three times in popular vote.

The Sept. 9 program also recognized five other regional leaders for their contributions to French language and culture:

• Evelyne Bornier, professor, Auburn University
• Rhonda Broussard, founder and CEO, Beloved Community
• Ibrahima Seck, director of research, Whitney Plantation
• Kim Vaz-Deville, professor and chief of staff, Dillard University
• Erin Greenwald, deputy director, The Historic New Orleans Collection

From left: Carla White, LSU art history instructor; Nedra Hains, Doctor of Design candidate; Joe Givens, LSU art history instructor; and Professor Spieth. Photo: Audoin de Vergnette / Consulat général de France à La Nouvelle-Orléans.

Media & photos

High-resolution images from the ceremony are available courtesy of Audoin de Vergnette, press and communication attaché, Consulate General of France in New Orleans.

Credit line: Photo: Audoin de Vergnette / Consulat général de France à La Nouvelle-Orléans.

Please observe any usage guidelines provided by the consulate.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Name: Jerry Lockaby
Email: jlocka3@lsu.edu
Phone: 225-578-5411