Jerusalem-The Mount of Olives from the Mosk of the Dome of the Rock before 1866

This photograph of Jerusalem, with the Mount of Olives seen from the Dome of the Rock, was made by Francis Bedford in the mid-19th century. Bedford was part of a new breed of commercial photographer who sold images like this to a growing market. Note how this image is not just a straightforward depiction. It creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It reflects Britain's growing interest in the Holy Land and a desire to document and understand its historical and religious significance. Bedford's images catered to a public eager to see these places for themselves, albeit through the lens of British sensibilities. To truly understand art like this, we need to look at a range of resources, from travel writing to the history of photography, to understand its meaning and significance. Understanding the social and institutional context is crucial.