florida state university college of visual arts, theatre and dance ...

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The completion of my dissertation only came about with the support and encouragement
of numerous people. I would first like to thank my professors, beginning at the University of
South Carolina with Dr. Beverly Heisner and Dr. Charles Mack, who introduced me to the field
of architectural history and the potential meanings that could be conveyed with buildings. At
Florida State University, I am extremely indebted to each of my professors but especially those
serving on my committee. With much patience, encouragement, and critique, Dr. Robert
Neuman, Dr. Jack Freiberg, and Dr. Paula Gerson, allowed me to develop my skills and to
pursue my scholarly interests. Their expertise in their respective fields contributed to my work,
shaping my approach to art history. A special thanks is reserved for my committee chair, Dr.
Robert Neuman, whose own experience with French architectural history of the Ancien Régime
fueled my search for a dissertation topic. I appreciate his guidance, his not-so-subtle prompts to
start writing, and his willingness to stick with me over the years. I am also grateful for support
from the Estate of Penelope Mason and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, from which I received
funding to pursue research in France.
The second group I would like to thank is made up of my friends and family. Without
their support and encouragement, my task would have been much more difficult. I am especially
indebted to my parents, who instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything, and my
parents-in-law, who likewise reinforced my ability to complete this project. It is with much
regret that Army and Dad are not here to see the end result. My greatest thanks go to my
husband, Brian. Not only has he assisted me with library books, copying, editing, and computer
issues, he has also supported me mentally, financially, physically, and spiritually. Although the
process took a little bit longer than he bargained for and he had to listen to more art history
discussions than any outsider should have to, I simply could not have achieved this without him.
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