Archives Scrapbooks

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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, January 1961-December 1965

ARCH.2003.35, Rendition: 804898

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This image displays a single page from a newspaper, likely from the Daily Herald, dated October 22, 1962, as indicated in the upper left corner.

The page features a large, multi-column article titled:
“Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi’s Finds”

The article details the discoveries made during a joint archaeological expedition by Harvard and Cornell Universities in Sardis, Turkey — the ancient capital of Lydia. The page is structured with two black-and-white photographs and several text columns.


Key Visual Elements:

  1. Photograph 1 (left, above headline): “MARKET PLACE of Sardis…”

    • Shows a sunlit archaeological excavation site.
    • Features partially unearthed stone walls and foundations.
    • A person (identified as Robert Moyers of Cornell) is visible operating surveying equipment.
    • The caption notes that Sardis was once called “the ‘Paris of the ancient world’” and that the expedition is “yielding again” after being suspended by war.
  2. Photograph 2 (right, top): “BRONZE BOAR”

    • A detailed, monochrome image of a large, ancient bronze sculpture of a boar lying on its side.
    • The caption identifies it as one of the most important discoveries made by the expedition.
    • It notes the sculpture dates back to the 5th century B.C. and was found at Sardis, ancient capital of Lydia.

Article Sections (as indicated by sub-headings):

  • “Homicide Unusual”

    • Describes the discovery of human skeletal remains beneath a collapsed wall in the market place.
    • Suggests the person may have died during a collapse caused by an earthquake or attack.
    • Mentions evidence of an ancient “homicide,” possibly linked to the destruction of Sardis by the Lydian king.
  • “Artifacts Dig Up”

    • Discusses the unearthing of Lydian and Persian artifacts, including pottery, coins, and building materials.
    • Highlights the discovery of a “Lydian capital of Sardis” with evidence of destruction around 546 B.C. by Persian forces.
  • “Fifteen Americans”

    • Lists the fifteen American archaeologists and scholars involved in the expedition, including professors from Harvard and Cornell, as well as students and specialists.

Overall Description:

The paper is aged, with yellowed pages and slightly frayed edges, consistent with a newspaper from the early 1960s. The typography is characteristic of mid-20th century journalism — serif fonts, dense columns of text, and simple photo captions. The layout prioritizes the headline and photographs, with the article breaking into digestible sections for readability.

In essence, the image is a historical snapshot of mid-century archaeology, documenting the rediscovery of Sardis and its artifacts — including the remarkable Bronze Boar — through the lens of a 1962 newspaper report.

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The image depicts a page from a newspaper dated October 23, 1960, titled "Sunday Herald." The page is focused on an article about archaeological findings from the ancient city of Sardis in Turkey. The article, titled "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi’s Finds," discusses the excavation of the city, which was once the "Paris of the ancient world," and details the significant discoveries made by a joint expedition of Harvard and Cornell universities.

The page features a large headline and accompanying photographs. One photograph shows the excavation site with archaeologists working. The other photograph is of a bronze boar statue, with a caption indicating it was found by the Harvard-Cornell expedition in Sardis and dates back to the 6th century B.C.

The article mentions various artifacts and finds, including buildings destroyed by a fire around 1200 B.C., a terra cotta frieze with a bas-relief of a man, and large storage jars. It also notes the discovery of pottery fragments indicating a sequence of conquest and culture from 1250 B.C. to 700 B.C.

The article is accompanied by several subheadings, such as "Homicide Unusual," "Artifacts Dug Up," and "Fifteen Americans," which list additional details about the excavation and the expedition members. The page appears to be aged, with some wear and tear, indicating it is a historical document.

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-72B-Instruct

This image is a page from a newspaper dated October 23, 1960. The page features an article titled "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardis Finds," which discusses the archaeological discoveries made at the ancient city of Sardis in Turkey. The article is accompanied by two photographs.

The first photograph, located at the top left, shows archaeologists working at the excavation site, with a caption describing it as the "Market Place of Sardis." The second photograph, at the top right, is of a "Bronze Boar" found by the Harvard-Cornell expedition at Sardis, described as one of the most important discoveries made there that summer, dating back to the 6th century B.C.

The article details the history of Sardis, mentioning its conquests by various civilizations, including the Hittites, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Christians, and Turks. It highlights the discovery of buildings destroyed by "sons of Hercules" around 1200 B.C. and mentions other significant finds, such as a terra cotta frieze and artifacts like paintings, glass, and bronze sculptures.

The article also includes a section titled "Homicide Unusual," which describes a legend of a homicide accomplished by pouring molten gold down the throat of the rich king Croesus.

The page is aged, with a yellowish tint, and the edges are slightly worn, indicating it is a preserved historical document.

Amazon, amazon.nova-pro-v1:0

The image is of a newspaper clipping. The clipping is torn and has some edges missing. The clipping is of a newspaper page with a headline that reads "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi's Finds." The article is about the discovery of ancient artifacts at Sardis, an ancient city in Turkey. The article includes a photograph of a bronze boar and a photograph of a group of people digging at the site. The article also includes a quote from a Harvard-Cornell scientist who was involved in the excavation. The article is from the Boston Globe newspaper.

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

An old newspaper is open on a gray surface. The paper is folded in half, and the top half is open. The top half of the newspaper has two articles. The first article is about Harvard-Cornell scientists reporting ancient Sardi's finds. The second article is about bronze boars found by Harvard-Cornell expeditions. The bottom half of the newspaper has an article about "Homicide Unusual." The paper is slightly torn on the left side.

Amazon, us.amazon.nova-2-lite-v1:0

The image depicts an open page from a newspaper or periodical dated October 21, 1924, as indicated at the top left corner. The page features a mix of text and illustrations, presenting a historical or archaeological report. Here is a detailed description:

Layout and Content:

  1. Headline:

    • The main headline reads: "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi's Finds."
    • This suggests the article is about an archaeological discovery made by scientists from Harvard and Cornell universities, focusing on findings related to the ancient city of Sardis.
  2. Illustrations:

    • Top Left Illustration:
      • Depicts a group of people engaged in an archaeological excavation. The scene shows individuals working in what appears to be a trench or pit, with tools and equipment visible. The setting suggests an active dig site, likely in an ancient urban area.
    • Top Right Illustration:
      • Shows a close-up image of a bronze head, possibly of a deity or important figure. The caption beneath the image reads: "BRONZE HEAD Found by Harvard-Cornell Expedition Sardi's ancient capital in Turkey, was one of the most important cities of Asia Minor since the 6th century B.C." This indicates the bronze head is a significant artifact discovered during the expedition.
  3. Text Content:

    • The article discusses the findings from the excavation at Sardis, an ancient city in Turkey. It highlights the importance of Sardis as a major historical center since the 6th century B.C.
    • The text mentions the involvement of Harvard and Cornell scientists in the expedition and describes various discoveries, including:
      • The Market Place of Sardis: Referred to as the "Port of the ancient world," this area is noted for its significance in trade and commerce.
      • The Unaccolpled Homicide: A section discussing an unsolved mystery or crime from ancient times.
      • Artifacts Dug Up: Mentions various artifacts uncovered during the excavation.
      • Fifteen Americans: Possibly referring to American participants or contributors to the expedition.
  4. Design and Style:

    • The page has a vintage, sepia-toned appearance, typical of early 20th-century newspapers.
    • The typography is formal and structured, with clear headings and subheadings organizing the content.
    • The layout includes columns of text, with illustrations placed strategically to complement the written content.

Overall Impression:

The image captures a historical moment in archaeology, showcasing the discovery of significant artifacts and insights into ancient Sardis. The combination of detailed illustrations and descriptive text provides a vivid account of the expedition and its findings, emphasizing the collaboration between Harvard and Cornell universities in uncovering the past. The article serves as a snapshot of early 20th-century archaeological research and public interest in ancient civilizations.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-90b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a newspaper clipping featuring an article about the discovery of ancient artifacts in Sardi, accompanied by a photograph of a bronze boar. The clipping is displayed on a light brown background, with the article's title and content visible.

Article Details:

  • Title: "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi's Finds"
  • Content: The article discusses the discovery of various artifacts, including a bronze boar, and provides information about the excavation process and the significance of the findings.
  • Photograph: A photograph of the bronze boar is included, showcasing its intricate details and craftsmanship.

Background:

  • Color: Light brown
  • Texture: Smooth

Overall Impression:

  • The image effectively conveys the excitement and importance of the archaeological discovery, highlighting the significance of the artifacts and the expertise of the scientists involved.
  • The use of a light brown background adds a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the image, evoking a sense of history and tradition.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-11b-instruct-v1:0

The image depicts a page from an old newspaper, featuring a prominent headline that reads "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi's Finds." The article is accompanied by a photograph of a bronze boar, which is described as being found in Turkey and dated back to the 6th century BC.

Key Features:

  • Headline: "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi's Finds"
  • Photograph: A bronze boar from Turkey, dated back to the 6th century BC
  • Article: Discusses the discovery of ancient artifacts in Sardi, Turkey
  • Newspaper: Old and worn, with a light brown color and visible tears and creases

Overall Impression:

The image suggests that the newspaper article is discussing a significant archaeological discovery in Sardi, Turkey, and the findings of Harvard-Cornell scientists. The inclusion of a photograph of the bronze boar adds a visual element to the story, providing a tangible representation of the artifacts being discussed.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-maverick-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a scanned newspaper article, dated October 23, 1966, featuring a report on the archaeological excavations conducted by Harvard-Cornell scientists at Sardis, an ancient city in modern-day Turkey. The article is titled "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardis' Finds" and includes two photographs.

Article Details:

  • Title: "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardis' Finds"
  • Date: October 23, 1966
  • Content: The article discusses the discoveries made by the Harvard-Cornell expedition at Sardis, including a bronze boar and other artifacts.
  • Photographs: Two black-and-white photographs accompany the article, depicting:
    • Archaeologists excavating at Sardis
    • A bronze boar discovered during the excavation

Newspaper Condition:

  • The newspaper appears to be yellowed and worn, with visible creases and tears.
  • The article has been cut out and pasted onto a larger sheet of paper, which is also yellowed.

Background:

  • The background of the image is a plain gray color, providing a neutral backdrop for the newspaper article.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the archaeological discoveries made at Sardis in the 1960s, as reported by the Harvard-Cornell expedition.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-scout-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping, likely from the New York Herald, dated October 25, 1964. The clipping is yellowed and worn, with visible signs of aging.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • Date: October 25, 1964
  • Source: New York Herald (likely)

Content:

  • Headline: "Harvard-Cornell Scientists Report Ancient Sardi's Finds"
  • Subheading: "Compared over the centuries by historians, Ephesus, Pergamon, Corinth, and Pompeii, the ancient capital of Sardis, in western Anatolia, is in political eclipse against the rival metropolis of Harvard and Cornell universities."
  • Image: A black-and-white photograph of archaeologists excavating a site, accompanied by a caption that reads, "MARKET PLACE of Sardis, once the 'Paris of the ancient world,' looked like this to the technological bulldozers of the surveyor's latest tool men dig."
  • Additional Images:
    • A bronze board found by the Harvard-Cornell expedition team, described as one of the most important discoveries made during the summer.
    • A long, narrow strip of text detailing the discovery of artifacts, including a 5th-century B.C. bronze board.

Condition:

  • Color: Yellowed
  • Wear: Worn, with visible signs of aging

Background:

  • Color: Light gray

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the past, highlighting the discovery of ancient artifacts and the collaboration between Harvard and Cornell universities in the excavation process.