Gezicht op Nablus before 1875

Francis Frith captured this view of Nablus in a photograph of modest dimensions. At first glance, the composition seems straightforward: a distant cityscape rendered in soft sepia tones. Yet, Frith’s approach complicates traditional landscape photography. The photograph is affixed within the album, creating a layered effect. This disrupts our sense of depth and perspective. The sharp lines of the photograph’s border contrast with the soft focus of Nablus, highlighting the act of framing itself. This self-referential approach makes the viewer aware of the photograph as a constructed image, not a mere reflection of reality. Frith’s work invites us to consider how photography mediates our understanding of place and culture. By emphasizing the materiality and structure of the image, Frith’s 'Gezicht op Nablus' becomes a commentary on the very nature of representation.