Gezicht op de Baden van Salomon te Bethlehem 1862 - 1876

This stereo card by Jean Andrieu presents a view of the Pools of Solomon near Bethlehem. Water, a life-sustaining symbol, resonates deeply within the historical context of the region. The image is charged with the weight of this precious resource, shaping not only the landscape but also the spiritual and communal life of its inhabitants. The Pools of Solomon, like the sacred springs found in ancient Greek sanctuaries, were a vital nexus. In both settings, water symbolizes purification and healing. The psychological need for clean water for physical survival morphed into a symbolic necessity for spiritual cleansing. Here, in Andrieu’s photograph, we are not merely viewing reservoirs, but tapping into an ancient understanding of water as a source of life, both physical and spiritual. This symbol's cyclical journey through time and cultures reflects a perpetual human quest for purification and renewal.