VIe Station. Ste Véronique essuie la face sanglante de Jésus. Aucune marque extérieure n'indique cette station. La tradition la place au pied du petit escalier 1860

This photogravure, VIe Station, was made by Louis de Clercq in the mid-19th century. It depicts a station of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, specifically where Saint Veronica is said to have wiped the face of Jesus. De Clercq, who traveled extensively in the region, was working at a time when photography was increasingly used for documentation. His photograph captures the stark reality of the city’s ancient alleyways. We might ask, what is the relationship between the camera’s documentary gaze and the spiritual function of the image? How does this modern medium affect the practice of pilgrimage? To answer these questions, we might consult guidebooks, travelogues, and the archives of religious institutions. Understanding the public role of photography and the politics of religious imagery is crucial in grasping this artwork’s significance.