Jérusalem, Vallée de Hinnom, Ensemble du flanc droit 1854 - 1859

This photograph, "Jérusalem, Vallée de Hinnom, Ensemble du flanc droit", was captured by Auguste Salzmann using the calotype process. The image presents a textured landscape dominated by the right flank of the Hinnom Valley. Salzmann uses a monochromatic palette to emphasize the rugged topography, where gradations of light and shadow across the rocky terrain and sparse vegetation evoke a feeling of austere beauty. The composition, structured by the ascending slope, draws the eye upward, inviting contemplation of the scene's intricate details. The calotype lends itself to exploring the interplay between nature and human intervention, seen in the carved-out caves or tombs dotting the hillside. This structured composition hints at the photographer's concern with more than just documentation, engaging with historical and perhaps theological dimensions inherent in the depiction of Jerusalem. Ultimately, the image's strength lies in its delicate rendering of light and form, capturing a sense of place that resonates beyond mere representation.