Rediscovering the vivid realism of Joseph Lindon Smith’s Persepolis paintings
For the first time in over 80 years, six large-scale paintings are on public display. This video introduces a special exhibition at the OI Museum, showcasing how an accomplished American artist captured the essence of an archaeological expedition.
In 1935, American painter Joseph Lindon Smith (1863–1950) traveled to Persepolis after an invitation from James Henry Breasted, the founder and director of the OI. Joining the OI Iranian (Persian) Expedition, which ran from 1931 to 1939, Smith used his skill for vivid realism to complement the mission's goal of documenting and preserving the site.
The exhibition, curated by Kiersten Neumann, features Smith's complete collection of Persepolis works: three landscapes and three portraits. These large-scale pieces offer a unique artistic perspective on the expedition's rigorous archaeological efforts.
Source: Joseph Lindon Smith: The Persepolis Paintings | A Special Exhibition at the OI Museum
