Metropolitan Museum of Art Gilman Collection, Gift of The Howard Gilman Foundation, Accession Number: 2005.100.373.64
Curatorial description (accessed: 3 October 2016)
Salzmann's composition balances the smooth waters of the ancient reservoir known as Birket-Mamillah with the surrounding tombstone-strewn earth. The rich tones of the landscape showcase the strengths of the salted paper print technique. Diffuse yet detailed, the medium was considered the most artistic choice for photographers of the 1850s. Salzmann's drastic cropping of the reservoir eliminates from view a Mamluk Empire (1250-1517) mausoleum at the left. The compositional choice isolates ancient ruins from more recent structures to better conform the scene to his historical and religious categories.
