Leeuwenpoort te Jeruzalem 1854 - 1856

Auguste Salzmann created this photograph of the Leeuwenpoort in Jerusalem using the calotype process, a technique which predates modern photography. Salzmann was commissioned to produce photographic evidence that would support French claims to certain religious sites in Jerusalem. The image cannot be separated from the photographer's identity as a Western European man, the legacy of colonialism, and the prevailing attitudes towards the Middle East during the 19th century. This photograph embodies the complicated relationship between the West and the Middle East. It reveals the power dynamics inherent in the act of documentation and representation. Note the door’s state of disrepair. Instead of presenting a majestic and thriving city, Salzmann's lens captures a sense of neglect. This aesthetic choice invites viewers to consider the role of photography in shaping perceptions and reinforcing cultural biases. It's a quiet image, but it speaks volumes about the politics of seeing and being seen.