Tombeau de la chrétienne. Vue du côté nord. (Tomb of the Christian Woman. View of the North Side.) 1855

This photograph of the "Tombeau de la chrétienne," or Tomb of the Christian Woman, was captured by John Beasley Greene in the mid-19th century. Working in the early days of photography, Greene would have been very attuned to the material qualities of his chosen medium. The sepia tones, the paper’s texture, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow are all products of a meticulous process involving chemical baths, precise timing, and a deep understanding of light-sensitive materials. Photography at this time was not just about capturing an image; it was about mastering a complex craft. The very act of creating a photograph was labor-intensive, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. In this context, Greene's photograph is not just a record of a historical site, but also a testament to the photographer's skill and the transformative potential of a relatively new technology. It invites us to consider photography itself as a craft, challenging any rigid separation between art and technical expertise.