Herzfeld, Ernst, 1879-1948

Variant names

Dates:

Birth 1879-07-23

Death 1948-01-21

Nationality: Germans,

Language: German,

Biographical notes:

The Ernst Herzfeld Papers document the career of Ernst Herzfeld (1879-1948), a German architect, archaeologist, and historian of Islamic and Pre-Islamic studies. After training as an architect he studied archaeology under Delitzch from 1903 to 1906 at the excavations at Assur in Mesopotamia. A Student of Latin, Greek, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew, Herzfeld received a doctorate in humanistic studies at universities in Munich and Berlin in 1907. His work with Friedrich Sarre to survey the monuments of the Tigris-Euphrates valleys resulted in landmark studies in architectural history, published in 1911 and 1920.

In 1920 Herzfeld was appointed to the chair of Historical Geography in Berlin and began his excavation at Samarra. Herzfeld's work there led to a six-volume publication. He published widely throughout his life on the sources of Islamic architecture and ornament, including the Royal Palace at Persepolis.

From 1934 until the end of his life Herzfeld spent his time producing many books and articles; lecturing; and working at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton (1936-1945.) Many of his works continue to be published post-humously.

1879 July 23 Born in Celle, Germany 1897 Received diploma from Joachimsthaler Gymnasium, Berlin. [1897 1898?] Fulfilled military service. [1899?] Studied architecture at the Technical University and Assyriology, art history, and philosophy at the Friedrich-Wilhems Universität in Berlin. 1903 Passed exam in structural engineering. [1903 1905] Assistant to Walter Andrae (1875-1956) in Assur. 1905 1906 Traveled throughout Iran and Iraq. 1907 Passed oral exam in February Excavation in Cilicia. Awarded doctorate in humanistic studies by Friedrich-Wilhems Universtät zu Berlin. After receiving Ph.D. Traveled extensively in Syria and Iraq with Friedrich Sarre, director of the Islamic Museum in Berlin. 1910 Herzfeld and Sarre jointly publish, Iranische Felsreliefs (Berlin, 1910.) 1911 1913 Field Director under direction of Sarre during expedition to Samarra. [1914?] Drafted into service in France and Poland during World War I. Sent to Iraq where he functioned as a surveyor. 1916 Father died. 1917 Appointed associate professor for Historical Geography and Art History of the Ancient Orient at Berlin. Along with Friedrich Sarre and others, founded the German-Persian Society to increase cultural and economic exchange between Germany and Persia. 1920 Appointed world's first full professor of Near Eastern Archeology. Begins excavation at Samarra. 1922 Mother died. 1923 1934 In Persia where he completed many excavations and studies. 1928 Excavation at Pasargadae. 1931 1934 Appointed director of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago and moved to Persepolis. 1934 As grand-son of Jews, Nazi legislation expelling state employees of Jewish descent forced Herzfeld to retire as a professor employed by the state. Moved to London. 1936 Moved to Boston. Lectured on Iranian history and appointed a member of the Princeton Institute for Advanced Study. Delivered Lowell Lectures. 1944 Retired from Princeton University. 1948 January 20 Died.

From the guide to the Ernst Herzfeld Papers, 1899-1962, (The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives)