Gezicht op de Berg der Verzoeking bij Jericho c. 1867 - 1895

Editor: This albumen print, titled "Gezicht op de Berg der Verzoeking bij Jericho," or "View of the Mount of Temptation near Jericho," comes to us from Maison Bonfils, dating somewhere between 1867 and 1895. I’m struck by the starkness of the landscape – it’s so…monumental. What kind of story do you think Bonfils was trying to tell with this photograph? Curator: That's a marvelous question! This image, produced within the context of Orientalism, isn't just about capturing a landscape; it's steeped in cultural and religious symbolism. Bonfils, a western photographer, was visualizing the 'Holy Land' for a European audience hungry for imagery confirming biblical narratives. Think about that rocky mountain – it’s austere, yes, almost aggressively so, and perhaps intentionally. Can you see any narrative elements hiding in plain sight? Editor: Hmmm, now that you mention the biblical narrative, and looking closer...are those structures carved into the mountainside? Could those be connected to the temptation story somehow? Curator: Precisely! Legend says the devil offered Jesus dominion over all earthly kingdoms from this vantage point. So, Bonfils presents not just a geographical location but also a stage for spiritual drama. It prompts a contemplation about faith, temptation, and the allure of power. Do you find yourself reflecting on those themes while looking at this imposing image? Editor: Absolutely. Initially, it was just a landscape, but knowing the story behind it definitely adds layers. It feels less like documentation and more like interpretation now. I’m curious how much of this staging was intentional on Bonfils' part, and how much was a product of the cultural lens through which he viewed the area. Curator: That tension between objective record and subjective interpretation is precisely where photography becomes truly fascinating, isn’t it? A powerful image not just reflects a scene, but invites us to reflect upon ourselves, too. Editor: Definitely. I think I’ll be spending some more time thinking about those layers!