Gezicht op Bethlehem 1870 - 1895

C. & G. Zangaki captured this view of Bethlehem with a photograph of albumen silver print. The monochrome image presents a dense urban landscape, punctuated by the organic forms of trees. The overall effect is a study in contrasts between the structured architecture and the natural environment. The composition is formally divided into horizontal layers, with the built environment dominating the upper portion. The buildings, uniform in tone, create a grid-like pattern that is only softened by the subtle variations in light and shadow. This ordered arrangement is juxtaposed with the lower portion of the image, where trees are distributed somewhat unevenly. The use of a muted palette emphasizes the texture and form of the buildings and foliage. The materiality of the albumen print adds an additional layer of meaning. The physical qualities of the photograph, its tonal range, and its capacity for detailed representation, invite us to consider the interplay between the objectivity of the photographic medium and the subjective interpretation of the artists. The image provides a perspective on urban space.