Jérusalem, Vallée de Josaphat, Tombeau de St. Jacques 1854 - 1859

This photograph, Jérusalem, Vallée de Josaphat, Tombeau de St. Jacques, was made by Auguste Salzmann sometime in the mid-19th century, using the salted paper process. Salted paper prints were created by coating paper with a salt solution, then silver nitrate, making it light-sensitive. The negative was then placed on the paper and exposed to sunlight, creating a direct positive image. This process resulted in a soft, slightly blurry image with a matte surface, as we can see here. This technique has a specific cultural significance, allowing for wider distribution of images at a time of growing interest in documenting archeological sites. The resulting sepia tones and subtle tonal gradations give the photograph an ethereal quality, emphasizing the timelessness of the landscape and the historical weight of the site. Each print required careful attention to detail, from the preparation of the paper to the timing of the exposure, reflecting a dialogue between the photographer's skill and the inherent qualities of the materials used. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the photograph's artistic value.