Jérusalem, Chapelle de l'Ascension 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann captured this photograph of Jérusalem, Chapelle de l'Ascension, using the calotype process. A structure of stone emerges, with subtle gradations of light and shadow rendered in muted tones. These tones create an atmosphere that is both stark and contemplative. The composition emphasizes the geometrical construction of the chapel, where the arches and cylindrical forms create a sense of depth. The rough texture of the stone is rendered with remarkable clarity, emphasizing its materiality. This recalls the architectural studies of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who advocated for structural rationality and historical accuracy. Salzmann’s choice of the calotype is significant: the process renders a softness that contrasts with the sharp lines of the building, yet retains a structured perspective. Here, the photograph moves beyond mere documentation. It embodies the essence of a cultural site, framed through a lens of early photographic technique. The visual structure invites ongoing reflection, questioning our fixed interpretations of history and representation.