Jérusalem, Saint-Sépulcre, Intérieur de la Chapelle du Calvaire 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann produced this salt print, titled "Jérusalem, Saint-Sépulcre, Intérieur de la Chapelle du Calvaire," sometime in the mid-19th century. Salzmann, a French archaeologist and photographer, was commissioned to create images that would support French political interests in the region. As we look at this image of the Chapel of the Calvary, it's important to consider how photography, even in its early stages, could be used to frame cultural and religious narratives. Salzmann’s work subtly emphasizes a Western perspective on the sacred sites of Jerusalem, a perspective often intertwined with colonial ambitions and the desire to map and document foreign lands. How does the act of photographing a holy place affect its spiritual essence? In capturing this interior, Salzmann offers us a glimpse into a space laden with religious significance, but it’s a view shaped by his own cultural lens. The photograph prompts us to think about the power dynamics inherent in image-making.