Gezicht op Tiberias before 1878

This print, “Gezicht op Tiberias,” was made by Félix Bonfils in the late 19th century. The composition is split into two framed landscape views, each offering a distinct perspective of Tiberias. Bonfils employs a stark contrast of light and shadow, which is a key structural element that defines forms and textures. These tonal variations articulate the geographical and architectural layout of Tiberias. The monochromatic palette, combined with the stark clarity, speaks to the photographic conventions of that period, reflecting a desire to document and classify the world through a lens of scientific observation. The framing of each view also invites us to reflect on how Bonfils is not just capturing an image but also constructing a narrative about place and perspective. By engaging with such formal decisions, the photograph moves beyond mere representation, prompting us to consider the historical and cultural contexts that shape our understanding of landscape and identity.