Mount Moriah, Jerusalem, from the Well of En Rogel 1855 - 1859

This is a photograph of Mount Moriah, Jerusalem, taken by Francis Frith sometime in the mid-19th century. It presents us with more than just a topographical record; it speaks volumes about the cultural and political context of the time. Frith was part of a wave of photographers who ventured to the Middle East, often under the auspices of colonial projects. His images, disseminated widely through albums and prints, helped shape Western perceptions of the region. This particular view, focusing on a site of immense religious significance, reflects the Victorian interest in biblical lands and the desire to document and, in a sense, possess them through visual representation. The image's composition, with the city perched atop the hill, suggests a sense of dominance and control. To understand this photograph fully, one must consider the history of British involvement in the region, the rise of Orientalism, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation. These are all things we can uncover through careful historical study.