Gezicht op Caïro vanuit het oosten before 1862

This is Francis Frith’s 164 by 224 mm photograph, taken of Cairo from the east. The image is dominated by the architectural forms of Cairo’s cityscape, with a foreground of aged walls and structures leading to a dense arrangement of buildings. The light, almost monochromatic palette emphasizes the texture and form of the stone constructions, where domes and minarets punctuate the skyline. Frith masterfully uses composition to create a sense of depth and scale. The structures create an interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the physical decay and timelessness of the city. This relates to ideas of Orientalism prevalent during the colonial era, where the depiction of such sites became a way of framing the East. The photograph itself becomes a cultural artifact, reflecting both a specific moment in history and broader themes of representation and cultural encounter. This image prompts us to consider how photography shapes our perception and understanding.