Jérusalem, Sainte-Marie-la-Latine 1854 - 1859

"Jérusalem, Sainte-Marie-la-Latine" is a striking salt print photograph taken by Auguste Salzmann in 1854-1859, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Salzmann, a pioneering photographer, captured the architectural grandeur of Jerusalem, focusing on Sainte-Marie-la-Latine, a church built in the 12th century. The image reveals a detailed cityscape with the church's towering minaret against a backdrop of dense, historic buildings, showcasing the rich history of the Holy City. The salt print's delicate tones and sharp details offer a glimpse into the past, highlighting Salzmann's mastery of photography and his ability to capture the essence of a place. This work is an important document of the Holy Land in the mid-19th century and a testament to the power of photography to preserve history.