Jérusalem, Porte de Damas, Intérieur 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann made this photograph of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem using the calotype process. The image provides insights into the cultural and political landscape of the mid-19th century. Made in 1854, the photograph reflects European interest in the Middle East, particularly the Holy Land, which was driven by religious, scientific, and colonial motivations. Salzmann was commissioned to produce photographic evidence that supported French archaeological research. This image would have been displayed and studied in the context of debates about the history of Jerusalem and the authority of religious texts. The calotype process, known for its soft focus and atmospheric effects, emphasizes the timelessness and historical weight of the architecture. By studying travelogues, archeological reports, and the institutional histories of museums that exhibited such images, we can better understand the complex meanings that this photograph held for its original viewers.