Banias, The Ancient Caesaria, Phillippi 1857

This albumen print of Banias was made by Francis Frith in 1857, during one of his photographic expeditions to the Middle East. The image invites us to consider the social and cultural contexts that shape the making and viewing of art. Frith was among the first to photograph the region on a commercial scale, fueled by British colonial interests and a growing fascination with biblical lands. This photograph presents the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, now Banias, with its imposing ruins overtaken by nature. The image constructs meaning through visual codes and historical associations: the crumbling architecture suggests the decline of past civilizations, while the untamed landscape hints at the region's exotic, unexplored nature. How do we understand Frith's work today? What role did photography play in shaping Western perceptions of the Middle East? Historical sources, such as travel accounts, colonial records, and photographic surveys, can provide valuable context. By examining these sources, we can better understand how art reflects and shapes social and institutional contexts.