Ecuries de Salomon—Stables of Salomon

Accession Number
1994/2.33.5

Title
Ecuries de Salomon—Stables of Salomon

Artist(s)
Felix Bonfils

Artist Nationality
French (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1867-1885

Medium & Support
albumen print on paper

Dimensions
14 in x 10 15/16 in (35.56 cm x 27.78 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Margaret and Howard Bond

Subject matter
In this photograph, the so-called stables of Solomon, a subterranean structure beneath the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, appear as though long abandoned. The heavy stone structure—a barrel-vault ceiling with rounded arch openings on either side—has no windows, an effect which reinforces the tomb-like quality of the scene. Indeed, the rubble and dirt which cover the floor and pile up in the back left corner of the chamber have almost “buried” these stables. The bright light that emanates from behind the camera belies the evident lack of natural lighting in the space. This image is one of hundreds of photographs made throughout Bonfils' career which purport to document various landscapes, cityscapes, and people of the eastern Mediterranean.  

Physical Description
This photograph shows an interior view of a stone chamber with a barrel vault and rounded-arch openings that line either wall. Dust and stone debris gather on the floor.  

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
arches
barrel vaults
historic buildings
rubble
stables (animal housing)
travel photography

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted