Gezicht bij de Djamaa el Kebir moskee, te Algiers 1883

Philip Zilcken made this etching, titled "View near the Djamaa el Kebir mosque, in Algiers," on paper. It provides a glimpse into the artist's perspective on Algerian society during a period of French colonial rule. The image presents a view framed by an archway, with figures and a tree visible within the mosque grounds. Zilcken, a Dutch artist, likely encountered Algiers through the lens of European Orientalism, a fascination with the "exotic" East. The depiction of the mosque, a central religious institution, invites us to consider the cultural dynamics and power relations at play during this era. As art historians, we can delve deeper by examining travel literature, colonial archives, and postcolonial studies to unpack the complexities of this image. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can gain a richer appreciation of the artwork's meaning and its role in shaping perceptions of Algeria.