Jérusalem, Enceinte du Temple, Vue générale de la face Est, Pl. 3 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann made this photograph of Jerusalem using the salted paper process, an early photographic technique yielding soft, detailed prints. The image is created by soaking paper in a salt solution, coating it with silver nitrate, exposing it to light through a negative, and then developing the print. Saltzmann's choice of photography over painting is significant. Photography was then a relatively new medium, associated with scientific accuracy and objectivity. Look closely at the image. The salted paper process renders a high level of detail, capturing the rough texture of the stone walls and the dense urban fabric. The varying tones of gray create a sense of depth, emphasizing the architectural forms. The image conveys the immense amount of labor involved in constructing and maintaining the city. The photograph also speaks to the social and political context of the time, as Europeans were increasingly interested in documenting and studying the Middle East, often through a colonial lens. Ultimately, understanding the materials and processes used in creating this photograph allows us to consider the complex relationship between art, science, and social context.