Twee gezichten op de Rotskoepelmoskee op de Tempelberg in Jeruzalem before 1865

James McDonald created these two photographs of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem in the 19th century. The images, sepia-toned, present the mosque from two distinct vantage points, each offering a unique perspective on its architectural grandeur. The upper photograph captures the Dome from a distance, emphasizing its spherical dome set against the city’s skyline. Notice how the geometric precision of the mosque, with its clear lines and symmetrical structure, creates a sense of harmony and order. The lower image shifts our focus to a more intimate view of the mosque's entrance. The play of light and shadow across the stone facade accentuates the intricate details and textures of the architecture. Here, the human figures at the entrance provide a sense of scale, further highlighting the monumentality of the structure. McDonald’s careful attention to composition invites us to contemplate not only the aesthetic qualities of the Dome of the Rock but also its symbolic importance. It is a space where the formal elements of architecture intersect with cultural and historical meanings.