Oud Turks fort in Algiers 1890 - 1930

Curator: Up next, we have a print titled "Oud Turks fort in Algiers" by Philip Zilcken. The Rijksmuseum dates it sometime between 1890 and 1930. Editor: My first impression is one of quiet contemplation. The scene is serene. It feels suspended, as if time stands still, and I notice right away how the etching captures the solidity of the fortress, with such understated lines. Curator: Yes, that sense of stillness is potent. And, of course, it also brings into play the tropes of Orientalism, presenting Algiers as this tranquil, almost untouched space, steeped in history and perhaps a bit removed from modernity. Notice the use of light and shadow; how Zilcken defines the structure and suggests texture using delicate marks. Editor: And that's exactly where my mind goes. Zilcken has prioritized technique; an interesting take, choosing etching to document what must have been a bustling location. One thinks of the work that goes into preparing the plate, the deliberate scratching, the submersion in acid. It is far removed from the direct experience, or immediacy of paint. Curator: True, and consider also the layering of symbols. The old Turkish fort speaks of Ottoman power, of a very different political era. It offers layers of history within the Algerian landscape; the subtle birds give a touch of spirituality too, soaring past these old material remnants. This is not simply about architectural detail, but a symbolic portrayal of a changing Algiers. Editor: I appreciate your emphasis on the deeper symbols within the fort’s image, however, I would be hard-pressed not to interpret the buildings' heavy horizontality as being bound to the landscape from which they arose. A true marriage between location and cultural memory through material means, quite like stone knowing how to carry forth messages beyond spoken language. Curator: Perhaps this blend is where its staying power rests. I can see that material reality interacting with history so distinctly now! Editor: Absolutely! Thank you for emphasizing those symbols which carry with them their own histories as well.