Twee kanonnen op fort Omuk Kebebe in Alexandrië before 1885

Curator: This print, dating to before 1885, offers a view of “Twee kanonnen op fort Omuk Kebebe in Alexandrië,” two cannons at Fort Omuk Kebebe in Alexandria. Editor: It’s rather imposing, even in this static image. The angle makes the cannons seem like they're leaning aggressively forward, ready for action. There's a clear sense of power embedded in their metallic forms. Curator: Precisely. The formal qualities – the stark lines of the cannons against the sky, the heavy contrast in the monochrome palette – communicate a sense of unyielding strength. It's about mass and geometry, creating a visual language of force. Editor: I find myself wondering about the colonial context. Alexandria was a site of intense imperial competition during this era. Those cannons were not simply about abstract strength; they represented very real geopolitical power dynamics and oppression. It makes you wonder whose perspective is valorized through the way this image is composed. Curator: I see your point. However, from a purely compositional perspective, the texture of the fort’s stone, rendered with incredible detail, anchors the piece. The varying tones give depth to what could have been a very flat, documentary image. The interplay between light and shadow creates visual interest in what may seem to some a somewhat severe topic. Editor: While the textures may be captivating, we can’t ignore that such details risk aestheticizing tools designed for violence and domination. What seems like masterful artistry here obscures the social ramifications of colonial weaponry and domination, not unlike how Alexandria’s indigenous populations suffered erasure within larger European narratives. Curator: An interesting angle. Thank you. Editor: And thank you; it’s been revealing to see it another way.