DIANA KLEINER

KLEINER--Diana Elizabeth Edelman, affectionately "DEEK," passed away peacefully on November 12 at the age of 76. She was an art historian known worldwide for her expertise on the art and architecture of the ancient Romans. Diana was the Dunham Professor of History of Art and Classics at Yale University, where she taught from 1980 to 2020. She loved her subject and her students. In the classroom, she was known for her dynamic lectures and colorful wardrobes. As the Founding Director of Open Yale Courses, she trailblazed new methods of teaching online. In the early 2000s, at a time when most were scared to share their scholarly work online, she dared to be different and created beautiful digital courses that touched countless students far beyond Yale. Through her immortal online lectures, she left a permanent legacy across the globe. Diana loved to travel, especially to Rome, and encouraged her students to go as well. She proudly guided students not only to the Top 10 Monuments but also to the Top 10 Gelaterias. She is the author of numerous books and articles on Roman art in its political and social context, including "Roman Sculpture" (1992), which remains the fundamental reference on the subject. In 2014, she created the magical, interactive e-book, "Roman Architecture: A Visual Guide." Diana completed seminal work on Roman women, including the ground-breaking exhibition "I Claudia: Women in Ancient Rome." Diana was the first woman to chair Yale's Classics Department; the first female Head of Pierson College; and from 1995 to 2003, Deputy Provost for the Arts. Diana earned her B.A. at Smith College in 1969, and her M.A., M. Phil., and Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1970, 1974, and 1976. She is the daughter of Hilda and Morton Edelman, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her husband Fred, son Alex, and grandchildren Teddy and Samantha. She was a devoted mother who put her son above anything else and taught him that hard work and creativity can be an unstoppable combination.