Erich F. Schmidt, a young German WWI veteran and archaeologist, led the expedition and documented it with nearly 2,600 photographs taken by himself and two professional photographers, Russian Boris Dubensky and Pole Stanislaw Niedzwiecki, over ten years.

Their many images depict, not only the important Tepe Hissar excavation, but also the desert and mountain people Schmidt’s team encountered along the way and the extraordinary landscapes of the region.

Exploring Iran features 60 photographs selected from Schmidt’s epic collection, complemented by a representative sampling of ancient artifacts, including painted pottery and bronze jewelry, from the Tepe Hissar excavations. 1st floor Merle-Smith Changing Exhibitions Gallery.

The Photography of Erich F. Schmidt, 1930-1940 exhibition will run from October 2 through December 9, 2007. -- www.museum.upenn.edu