Mt. Zion and King David's Tomb Photo by Bonfils

Tombeau de David sur le Mont Sion.--Tomb of David on Mount Zion by Felix Bonfils ca. 1870. This is an original vintage Albumen print on a thin sheet of paper with sepia color and slightly glossy surface, signed in the negative. Showing Mount Zion with its building complex and Catholic graveyard. On the right is the entrance to the ancient Jewish synagogue and the traditional Holy location of King David's Tomb. On the left is the ancient Christians venue of the Upper Room or Cenacle (on the second floor), which consists of the Room of the Last Supper and the adjoining Chapel of the Holy Spirit. In the center top floor is a mosque, thus bringing the three monotheistic faiths into the confines of a single building complex. Size: 28 X 22 cm (11 x 8.5 inches). This photograph is documented in the list of Felix Bonfils Photographs ('Die Provincia Arabia'), in the Department of Rare Books, Princeton University Library, Box 7, File 21, and Photograph No. 288. The prolific photographer Félix Bonfils was born on 8 March 1831 in France. In 1867 he moved to Beirut with his wife Lydie (b. 1837), and son Adrien (b. 1861) and set up a photographic studio. Bonfils published many albums focusing on specific regions or themes from various sites along the eastern Mediterranean. Bonfils died in 1885.