Jérusalem, Vallée de Josaphat, Grottes sépulcrales, 2 1854 - 1859

"Jérusalem, Vallée de Josaphat, Grottes sépulcrales, 2" is a striking photographic print created by Auguste Salzmann between 1854 and 1859. This image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Salzmann's mastery of capturing the stark beauty of the Holy Land. The photograph features a landscape of rocky outcroppings, a dry riverbed, and a few sparse trees. The scene is devoid of human figures, creating a sense of solitude and reverence. The detailed, almost sculptural depiction of the rocks and the subtle gradations of light and shadow emphasize the ancient nature of the location, referencing the biblical Valley of Jehoshaphat. Salzmann's work is a testament to the power of photography to document historical sites and provide a glimpse into the past.