Salomo's stallen in Jeruzalem 1867 - 1885

This albumen silver print, "Salomo's Stables in Jerusalem," was created by Félix Bonfils. The photograph captures a subterranean space. The architectonic structure and sepia tone evokes both a sense of depth and confinement. The composition hinges on the converging lines of the vaulted ceiling and the repetitive verticality of the archways. These formal devices lead the eye into the heart of the structure. Bonfils’s photograph operates within a semiotic system. The architectural elements are presented as signs of historical depth and imperial power. The stark, unadorned space invites contemplation on themes of time and the cultural narratives. The sepia tone flattens the image and adds to the sense of timelessness. Ultimately, the photograph serves not just as a depiction of a physical space but as a site where history, representation, and interpretation converge. It highlights the subjective nature of photographic representation.