Gezicht op Tiberias 1856 - 1860

Francis Frith made this stereoscopic photograph of Tiberias, a city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, during one of his three trips to the Middle East between 1856 and 1860. Frith was driven by a desire to document biblical landscapes with the relatively new medium of photography. Yet, his endeavor existed within the context of British colonialism and orientalism, where the Middle East was often romanticized. This image presents a serene, almost timeless view of Tiberias, with its ancient architecture reflected in the water. However, it also subtly reinforces a Western gaze upon the East. Frith chose a vantage point and composition that highlights the picturesque qualities of the scene, framing it for an audience accustomed to idealized landscapes. The stereoscopic format, creating a three-dimensional effect, further immerses the viewer. While aesthetically pleasing, we can also consider how this photograph contributes to the construction of an orientalist narrative. It invites reflection on the power dynamics inherent in image-making and the representation of different cultures.