Le Jourdain – The Jordan
Felix Bonfils
Description
Subject Matter:
In the photograph’s lower-right quadrant, over a dozen men make camp along the bank of the Jordan River. One can distinguish two European men from their indigenous companions by their clothing and poses: not only do these men wear trousers and pith helmets, but also they are the only two figures seated in chairs. With the exception of these two, the other surrounding figures mostly face the camera, while one man and a camel pose somewhat stiffly in profile just left of center. The picture seems to fluctuate among the formats of landscape, group portrait, and ethnographic portrait. 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:
In this photograph, a group of men sit or stand near two tents along the bank of a wide river. The hills and trees on the opposite bank form the horizon line.
Usage Rights:
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