Kait Bey Mosque in Cairo 15 - 1897

Fritz Hauck created this watercolor painting of the Kait Bey Mosque in Cairo in 1892. Hauck’s careful rendering of the mosque's interior invites us to consider the historical and cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East during the late 19th century. During this period, European artists often traveled to the Middle East, drawn by the allure of what they perceived as exotic and timeless landscapes. The asymmetrical positioning of the praying figures offers an intimate glimpse into a private moment of devotion within the grand architecture. The contrast between the artist's objective eye and the deeply personal act of prayer raises questions about cultural representation, and the gaze of the outsider. How does Hauck's representation of the mosque both celebrate its beauty and potentially exoticize its cultural significance?