Twee gezichten op de oostelijke muur bij de zuidoostelijke hoek van de Tempelberg in Jeruzalem before 1865

James McDonald produced these two photographic studies of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in the mid-19th century. They offer insights into the cultural and political contexts surrounding archaeological and religious sites during that era. McDonald's photographs document the physical appearance of the Temple Mount and, further, serve as historical records of 19th-century attitudes toward the region. During this period, the Ottoman Empire controlled Jerusalem, and European interest in biblical lands was growing, fueling both religious pilgrimages and scientific explorations. The presence of people in the photographs also suggests the cultural encounters between Western photographers and the local populations, reflecting colonial dynamics and cross-cultural exchanges. To fully understand these photographs, we can consult a range of resources, including historical surveys, travel accounts, and studies of colonial photography. In doing so, we can appreciate the complex interplay between the act of documentation, the politics of representation, and the historical narratives that shape our understanding of places like Jerusalem.