[Jerusalem] 1857

This is a photograph of Jerusalem, made by John Anthony sometime in the mid-19th century. As an image produced for Western audiences during a period of increasing colonial expansion, this photograph participates in a tradition of representing the “Orient” as an object of Western gaze and control. Note how the composition directs our eyes. The elevated viewpoint, the framing of the city within the walls, and the rendering of the Dome of the Rock in the distance all contribute to a sense of detachment. We are positioned as observers, separate from the scene unfolding before us. This visual encoding reflects a broader cultural dynamic in which Western powers sought to map, survey, and ultimately dominate distant lands. To fully understand this image, we need to research the history of photography, British colonial history, and the rise of Orientalism as a cultural phenomenon. We must consider the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production.