Thomas Schlesser: From Global Bestseller ‘Mona’s Eyes’ to New Poetic Horizons
ANTIBES, 25 February 2026 – Thomas Schlesser, the renowned French art historian and Director of the Hartung-Bergman Foundation, has solidified his transition from academic authority to literary phenomenon. Following the extraordinary international success of his novel Mona’s Eyes (Les Yeux de Mona), which surpassed one million copies in sales, Schlesser has returned to the spotlight with his latest work, Le Chat du Jardinier, released via Albin Michel.
A Literary Phenomenon: The Legacy of Mona’s Eyes
Schlesser, 48, who balances his writing career with his role as a professor at the École Polytechnique in Paris, became a household name following the 2024 release of Mona’s Eyes. The novel, which follows a grandfather introducing his granddaughter to fifty masterpieces of art as she faces the prospect of losing her sight, was translated into dozens of languages and featured prominently on international bestseller lists, including the New York Times and independent press rankings in early 2026.
Critics have lauded Schlesser for his ability to democratise complex art history through emotive storytelling. This “miracle of publishing” has paved the way for his latest exploration of the humanities, shifting focus from the visual arts to the evocative power of poetry.
2026 Release: Le Chat du Jardinier
His new novel, Le Chat du Jardinier (The Gardener’s Cat), marks a thematic evolution for the author. While Mona’s Eyes served as an initiation into painting, this new work is described as a subtle initiation into the art of poetry. The narrative centres on an encounter between a taciturn gardener, his ailing cat, and a retired French teacher. Set against a backdrop of atmospheric naturalism, the book aims to “awaken the magic of poetry” for a general audience, mirroring the educational yet lyrical structure of his previous bestseller.
Key Professional Profile: Thomas Schlesser
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Director of the Hartung-Bergman Foundation (Antibes) |
| Academic Position | Professor of Art History at École Polytechnique |
| Major Works | Mona’s Eyes (2024), Luminous Lives, Le Chat du Jardinier (2026) |
| Notable Achievement | Over 1 million copies sold of Les Yeux de Mona |
| Primary Themes | Art history, transmission of knowledge, poetry, and humanism |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Schlesser’s latest book?
As of February 2026, his latest novel is Le Chat du Jardinier, published by Albin Michel. It focuses on the beauty and importance of poetry in everyday life.
Where does Thomas Schlesser teach?
He is a professor of Art History at the École Polytechnique, one of France’s most prestigious engineering schools located near Paris.
Is ‘Mona’s Eyes’ based on a true story?
While the book is a work of fiction, it draws heavily on Schlesser’s deep expertise as an art historian to provide authentic insights into the world’s most famous paintings and museums.
What is the Hartung-Bergman Foundation?
Located in Antibes, it is a foundation dedicated to the lives and works of the painters Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman. Schlesser has served as its director since 2014.