Boog van Ecce Homo, Jeruzalem 1854 - 1856

This albumen print, "Arch of Ecce Homo, Jerusalem," was created by Auguste Salzmann. The photograph is dominated by a stone archway, its solidity emphasized by the rough texture and variations in tone. This structure creates a frame within a frame, drawing the eye towards a distant view of the city. Salzmann masterfully uses light and shadow to create depth and texture, giving the stonework a tangible, almost sculptural presence. The composition plays with geometric forms. The curve of the arch contrasts with the sharp angles of the stonework. This contrast highlights the artificiality of architecture against the backdrop of the landscape. Salzmann’s choice of perspective and detail invites us to consider the ways in which we perceive space and form. The image captures a moment of encounter between the viewer and the ancient world.