Jérusalem. (Environs) Grotte de Jérémie 1860

Louis de Clercq made this photograph of Jeremiah's Grotto using the calotype process, a technique which creates a paper negative, allowing for multiple prints, during a trip to the Middle East in the mid-19th century. De Clercq, a wealthy industrialist, took up photography as a hobby, and his images are often viewed through the lens of his privileged position. His travels coincided with a period of intense European interest in the region, fueled by both religious and colonial ambitions. The photograph, with its focus on a site of religious significance, reflects a Western fascination with the Holy Land. The play of light and shadow gives the cave a sense of mystery, perhaps inviting viewers to reflect on its historical and spiritual importance. De Clercq’s photographs captured a vision of the Middle East which reinforced European ideas about it at the time. They maintain traditional, Western-centric representations of the region. In considering this photograph, think about the power dynamics at play when one culture seeks to capture and represent another. Consider what it means to frame someone else’s history through your own lens.