Jérusalem, Saint Sépulcre, coupole 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann’s photograph captures the dome of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The sepia tones and the sharp contrast create a sense of depth, emphasizing the texture and architectural details of the ancient structure. This photograph’s composition is dominated by the geometric forms of the domes. Salzmann’s choice to focus on architectural form draws our attention to the underlying structures that shape our understanding of sacred spaces. The dome itself, as a semiotic symbol, represents the heavens and spiritual transcendence. By foregrounding the physical structure, Salzmann invites us to consider how architectural forms embody and communicate complex cultural and religious meanings. Note the interplay between light and shadow, which highlights the dome’s texture, subtly questioning fixed meanings associated with religious architecture and prompting a deeper reflection on the relationship between form and meaning.