Gezicht op Bethanië c. 1870 - 1875

This photograph of Bethany was taken by Horatio Herbert Kitchener, and offers a glimpse into a site laden with profound religious and historical significance. The enduring presence of Bethany as a pilgrimage site speaks volumes. Here lies the "house" of Mary and Martha, described by pilgrims throughout the ages, and the reputed tomb of Lazarus. This composition echoes the timeless human quest for connection with the divine and the mysteries of resurrection. Consider how images of Lazarus's resurrection have permeated art history, from Byzantine mosaics to Renaissance paintings. His emergence from the tomb is often depicted with a gesture of rising or reaching—a visual motif that reappears in countless depictions of saints, heroes, and even secular figures throughout art history. We can see the cyclical nature of these symbols. Here, in Kitchener’s photograph, the stones of Bethany whisper stories of faith, loss, and the eternal hope for renewal.