Gezicht op Jeruzalem, gezien vanaf de Olijfberg 1900 - 1905

This is an anonymous stereograph depicting Jerusalem as viewed from the Mount of Olives. The absence of a known author invites us to consider the broader social and cultural forces at play in shaping the image. Produced in a time of increasing Western interest in the Middle East, the photograph reflects a complex interplay of religious, colonial, and orientalist perspectives. The framing of Jerusalem—a city of profound significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—through the lens of a Western gaze raises questions about power, representation, and the construction of identity. The image captures not only a physical landscape, but also a layered tapestry of histories, beliefs, and cultural narratives. It encourages us to reflect on the emotional and personal connections we have to places, and how these connections are influenced by the ways in which those places are portrayed. By contemplating this image, we can gain insights into the ways that visual representations shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.