Ruins of a Temple at Deir-el-Ashayir ("The convent of the tribes") before 1866

This photograph of the Ruins of a Temple at Deir-el-Ashayir was made by Francis Bedford in the 19th century, as part of a book showcasing the Holy Land. The image is a silver print, a process that was becoming increasingly popular at the time for its relative ease and reproducibility. Bedford, like many photographers of the era, was drawn to ancient sites, capturing the grandeur of architectural ruins. Notice how the rough texture of the stone is emphasized by the tonal range achieved in the print, and the angle at which the photograph was taken. It's important to remember that photographs such as this were not simply objective records. They were also commodities, produced and consumed within a burgeoning tourist industry. The “ruin” aesthetic held a particular appeal for European audiences, conjuring a sense of history and romanticism. Yet, it also reflects the colonial gaze of the time, framing the Middle East as a land of ancient wonders, ripe for exploration and exploitation. By considering the materials, the photographic process, and the social context in which Bedford was working, we gain a much deeper understanding of this image, and its place in the history of both art and culture.