Jérusalem, Hospital de Sainte-Hélène, Intérieur 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann made this photograph of the Hospital of Sainte-Hélène in Jerusalem using the salted paper process. This early photographic technique involved coating paper with silver nitrate and sodium chloride, then exposing it to light through a negative. Saltzmann's choice of salted paper gives the image a soft, almost hazy quality. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the image, creating a sense of depth and age. This process, while relatively simple, required careful control of the chemicals and exposure time to achieve a clear image. The final print embodies a direct connection to the physical world. Saltzmann was interested in documenting archaeological sites with an objective eye. Yet, this artistic choice transformed a straightforward record into a work imbued with atmosphere and subtle beauty. It reminds us that even in the earliest days of photography, the photographer’s hand – and their choice of materials – played a crucial role in shaping the final image, blurring the lines between documentation and artistic expression.