Kiriath-Jearim op de weg van Latrun naar Jeruzalem, Israël before 1899

This photograph, titled 'Kiriath-Jearim on the road from Latrun to Jerusalem,' was created by Augusta Victoria, the Empress of Germany. The photograph is a product of its time, born from technological advancements that democratized image-making, yet also, an interesting reflection of the intersection between royalty and the burgeoning technology of photography. Augusta Victoria's royal status provided her access to both resources and opportunities to capture and disseminate images of the Holy Land. The choice of photography as a medium is telling; it democratized image production, yet the economic structures were not as accessible for the masses. This highlights the ways in which access to technology is mediated by social status and power, while also noting the amount of work involved in setting up the shot, developing the image, and producing the print itself. Ultimately, the work underscores the importance of considering not only the image itself, but also the social context in which it was produced and consumed.