Gabriel Paul Weisberg

Gabriel Paul Weisberg, a distinguished American art historian and educator, passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 83. A tireless researcher, curator, and professor, Weisberg dedicated his life to illuminating overlooked artists and movements, profoundly shaping the understanding of 19th-century European art. His extensive scholarship focused on Realism, Naturalism, Japonisme, and Art Nouveau, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Born in New York City on May 4, 1942, Weisberg pursued his academic passions with vigor. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from New York University in 1963, followed by a Master of Arts in 1966 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1967, both in Art History from Johns Hopkins University. His early career included teaching positions at the University of New Mexico and the University of Cincinnati, laying the groundwork for a prolific career in academia and museum work.

From 1973 to 1981, Weisberg served as Curator of Art History and Education at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where he organized the seminal exhibition “The Realist Tradition: French Painting and Drawing, 1830-1900” in 1980. This groundbreaking work helped redefine the parameters of the Realist movement, moving beyond a sole focus on Gustave Courbet to highlight many other significant artists. He was awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in 1982, further supporting his research.

In 1985, Professor Weisberg joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he taught until his retirement in 2017, earning the title of Professor Emeritus. His contributions were recognized internationally when the French government named him Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1995. He also co-founded the Historians of Nineteenth-Century Art and established the Journal of Japonisme, fostering scholarly exchange and new research.

Throughout his career, Weisberg authored 55 books and exhibition catalogues, along with countless essays and reviews, continually expanding the art historical canon. In 2012, he received the College Art Association's Distinguished Teaching of Art History Award, a testament to his impact on generations of students. He and his wife, Yvonne, were also dedicated collectors, amassing a significant collection of 19th-century Realist drawings that they generously bequeathed to The Minneapolis Institute of Art, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future scholarship.