19th-century Photo-Archaeology, University of Haifa, April 2, 2018

The International Conference “19th-century Photo-Archaeology” is hosted by the Nofei Yeda (Landscapes of Knowledge) program, Faculty of Humanities and the Hecht Museum, in collaboration with: The Haifa Center for Mediterranean History (HCMH) and Onassis Program of Hellenic Studies. It will take place at the University of Haifa on April 2, 2019.

The 19th century, an era of great archaeological discoveries, coincided with the invention of photography. Perceived from its very beginning as the “most truthful documentation,” the camera immediately became an irreplaceable tool in unveiling the mysteries of past civilizations. It revealed the very existence of the historical and religious sites, at the same time bringing the Western beholder close to these sites physically, emotionally and mentally.

Despite technical and physical challenges, early photographers left a significant body of works documenting ancient ruins and recently discovered archaeological sites throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the cradle of European culture and Christianity. Some photographs were used in research, others were published in archaeological surveys and books, and sold as photograph albums. But others still remain unnoticed in the archives; many have not received the attention they deserve.

The aim of this upcoming conference is to examine Photo-Archaeology in terms of the historiography of the 19th century while discussing the visual aspect of the field, applying the tools of photographic technology and fine art analysis. We further aim to discuss the role of photography and archaeology as indispensable tools in pursuit of the political and ideological goals of the imperial West.

We are pleased to announce that the key speaker will be world renowned Photographic Process historian Prof. Mark Osterman, George Eastman Museum, Rochester, NY.

Proposal submissions should address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

1. 19th-century photographic trips through ancient cities and sites in the Mediterranean
2. 19th-century photographic exploration of Greece
3. 19th-century photographic exploration of the Holy Land
4. Photography of ancient ruins: perception and reception
5. Technical challenges facing 19th-century photographers of archaeological sites
6. Exploration and documentation of the Middle East
7. 19th-century photography of the archaeological sites: history, politics, ideology
8. People and places in the 19th-century photography of the Middle East
9. Photographic archives
10. Photographs in 19th-century books and surveys
11. Photography and the development of archaeological standardized visual
12. documentation and classification methods (site plans, drawings, reconstructions)
13. Photography and lithography in archaeological context