Jews of Jerusalem c. 1880

Curator: Félix Bonfils, active in the late 19th century, captured this striking portrait, "Jews of Jerusalem," now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a certain austerity to it, almost biblical in its somber tones and direct gaze. It feels…untouched. Curator: Indeed, the composition directs our attention to the subjects' attire and the textural variance of the stone wall behind them. Semiotically, each element functions as a signifier of cultural identity. Editor: For me, it is the raw, unvarnished quality of the moment that speaks volumes. You can almost feel the weight of history pressing down. It's as if they're standing not just in front of a wall, but in front of time itself. Curator: Precisely. Bonfils uses the formal qualities of photography—light, shadow, and the very materiality of the print—to evoke a sense of enduring presence. Editor: It's a powerful reminder of the human stories embedded in these places. I find myself wondering about their lives, their hopes, their fears… Curator: A photograph such as this one compels us to look closer not only at the image, but at ourselves, and what we bring to the act of viewing. Editor: Agreed, it stirs up a potent mix of curiosity and reflection. It’s more than just a picture; it’s a window into another world.