Gezicht op Jeruzalem, met de ommuring van de tempel en de Rotskoepel 1854 - 1856

This is Auguste Salzmann's photographic print, likely made in the 1850s, showing a view of Jerusalem with the Temple Mount. The photograph presents a city divided into distinct horizontal zones. A dark foreground, possibly a valley or slope, anchors the composition. Above this, a pale, textured wall stretches across the frame, topped by the dense, architectural cluster of Jerusalem itself. The Dome of the Rock punctuates the skyline, its spherical form contrasting with the angular buildings surrounding it. The interplay of light and shadow defines the image. The strong contrast etches the architectural details and topographical layers into sharp relief. The effect is to flatten the scene, emphasizing the surface texture and the material qualities of the architecture. This approach embodies a structuralist perspective by creating a visual language that speaks to the organization of space. The composition invites contemplation on the city's physical structure. The photograph functions as a semiotic device, encoding cultural and historical meanings. The formal elements reveal a discourse on representation, challenging fixed meanings and inviting ongoing interpretation.