Reservoir van Hizkia, Jeruzalem c. 1867 - 1877

Félix Bonfils captured the Pool of Hezekiah in Jerusalem with a photograph, at an unknown date. The pool itself is the dominant symbol here. It's a reservoir, a body of water in the middle of the city. Water has always held deep symbolic meaning. In many cultures, it represents purity, life, and rebirth. Think of baptismal fonts, or the sacred rivers of India. Now, consider how this pool would have functioned for the people of Jerusalem, a source of sustenance and survival in a dry land. Over time, the symbolism of water evolves. It’s a fluid and dynamic emblem, reflecting our changing relationship with nature and the divine. But at its core, it remains a symbol of the life force. The emotional power of this image lies in its stark simplicity. It engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of our dependence on nature. It's a testament to water's enduring symbolic power.