Damascus Gate, Jerusalem 1857

Curator: This albumen silver print, titled "Damascus Gate, Jerusalem," was created by Robertson and Beato. Editor: Stark, monumental—and it projects such a feeling of the weight of history. Curator: Indeed. Consider the labor involved in quarrying and transporting these massive stones. And the social implications of walled cities in the 19th century. Editor: Absolutely. Walls as symbols of division, power, and control, especially during a period of colonial expansion and shifting geopolitical landscapes. Curator: And the materiality of the photograph itself—the specific chemicals, processes, and labor required to fix this image onto paper. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how photography played a role in shaping perceptions of the "Orient" and reinforcing power dynamics. Curator: The convergence of materials, labor, and ideology. Editor: It leaves you thinking about how these historical layers continue to influence present-day realities.