Laurel O. Peterson

About the Author

Laurel O. Peterson is a distinguished historian and author specializing in the intersections of art, commerce, and empire during the long eighteenth century. With a PhD from Yale University, she has dedicated her career to uncovering the untold stories of artists who navigated the economic and cultural landscapes of colonial trade. Her groundbreaking research draws on extensive archival work in Britain, India, and beyond, revealing how visual culture shaped and was shaped by global capitalism. Peterson's writing bridges academic rigor with engaging narrative, making complex historical dynamics accessible to a broad audience. She currently teaches at a leading Ivy League institution and contributes to international journals on art history and postcolonial studies.