Mount Hermon, The Mount of Transfiguration 1855 - 1859

This photograph of Mount Hermon was taken by Francis Frith, a British photographer, sometime in the mid-19th century. Frith's photographs are often seen as straightforward documents of a place, but we can also consider them as products of Victorian England's colonial ambitions. Frith established a company dedicated to capturing images of the Middle East, capitalizing on a growing market for orientalist imagery. The Holy Land was especially popular, appealing to religious sentiments and a desire for authentic views of biblical locations. Frith's commercial success depended on his ability to navigate the technical challenges of photography in remote areas. He relied on local guides and laborers, whose contributions are rarely acknowledged. By understanding the context in which Frith's photographs were created, we can gain insight into the complex relationship between art, commerce, and imperial power in the 19th century. Examining Frith's business records and travel accounts provides a richer understanding of this historical moment.