Eberhard Fischer (art historian)

Eberhard Fischer (born 1941) is a German art historian and anthropologist specializing in the arts and cultures of South Asia, particularly India. He is known for his extensive research and documentation of Indian folk and tribal art, as well as his contributions to the understanding and preservation of traditional crafts.

Fischer studied art history, ethnology, and Indology at the Universities of Zurich, Basel, and Heidelberg. He received his doctorate from Heidelberg University.

He served as the director of the Rietberg Museum in Zurich from 1972 to 2008. During his tenure, he significantly expanded the museum's collection of South Asian art and organized numerous influential exhibitions that showcased the diverse artistic traditions of the region. These exhibitions brought significant international attention to the richness and complexity of Indian folk and tribal arts.

Following his retirement from the Rietberg Museum, Fischer has continued to be active in research and writing. He has published extensively on topics such as Indian textiles, terracotta sculpture, and the history of the Rietberg Museum. He is regarded as a leading authority on Indian art and culture. His work has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting traditional artistic practices in a rapidly changing world. He has also collaborated with artisans and craftspeople in India to support their livelihoods and ensure the continuity of their artistic heritage.