Jérusalem, Saint-Sépulcre, Détails de la Chapelle du Calvaire 1854 - 1859

This photograph of the Chapel of the Calvary in Jerusalem was made by Auguste Salzmann, using the salted paper process. This early photographic technique involves coating paper with silver nitrate and sodium chloride, exposing it to light through a negative, and then developing the image. The resulting print has a soft, textured surface, and a tonal range that emphasizes the stone’s inherent qualities: its weight, texture, and form. This process captures the intricate details of the masonry, from the rough-hewn blocks to the delicate carvings of the columns. Salzmann was interested in the objective truth of photography, but this medium never simply reflects reality. The salted paper process, with its subtle variations in tone and texture, adds a layer of interpretation. The amount of work involved in producing these early photographs was significant, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of early photographic processes. By focusing on the materiality and making of this photograph, we can appreciate the rich interplay between process, subject, and artistic vision.