Jérusalem, Birket-Mamillah

Auguste Salzmann|Imprimerie photographique de Blanquart-Évrard, à Lille

1854 · Salted paper print from paper negative · Photographs

Salzmann’s composition balances the smooth waters of the ancient reservoir known as Birket-Mamillah with the surrounding tombstone-strewn earth. The rich tones of the landscape showcase the strengths of the salted paper print technique. Diffuse yet detailed, the medium was considered the most artistic choice for photographers of the 1850s. Salzmann’s drastic cropping of the reservoir eliminates from view a Mamluk Empire (1250–1517) mausoleum at the left. The compositional choice isolates ancient ruins from more recent structures to better conform the scene to his historical and religious categories.

Artist

Auguste Salzmann|Imprimerie photographique de Blanquart-Évrard, à Lille

Date

1854

Medium

Salted paper print from paper negative

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Gilman Collection, Gift of The Howard Gilman Foundation, 2005