Jérusalem, Mosquée d'Omar, côté Ouest, Intérieur de l'enceinte 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann made this photograph of Jerusalem, the West side of the Omar Mosque, using the salted paper print method. This early photographic process involved coating paper with a silver nitrate solution, exposing it to light with a negative, and then fixing the image. The resulting print has a soft, slightly textured surface, a direct result of the paper fibers. The sepia tones are characteristic of the chemical reactions at play. Look closely, and you’ll notice a subtle graininess, which adds to the image's historical feel. Photography in the mid-19th century was an elaborate affair. Salzmann was a pioneer, but also had to be a chemist, a darkroom technician, and a logistical planner, hauling equipment across demanding terrain. The resulting image is more than just a picture; it's the result of much labor. By appreciating the materials and the making, we can fully understand its historical and cultural value.