Jérusalem, Saint Sépulcre, abside 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann created this photograph of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem using salted paper print. The play of light across the stone surfaces is the dominant element here. Salzmann uses a high vantage point, emphasizing the geometric forms of the architecture. Note how the dome of the church and the arched windows create a rhythm that contrasts with the rough texture of the stone walls. The image presents a tension between the spiritual significance of the site and its representation as a physical structure. Salzmann’s choice to focus on the formal qualities, the textures and shapes, allows the photograph to function not just as a record but as an interpretation. The formal composition invites us to contemplate the relationship between faith, history, and the material world. It’s this intersection of form and context that makes this photograph so compelling.