Alger 

Maurice Boitel made this oil painting, "Alger," at an unknown date, offering a glimpse into a domestic interior. The objects within—the aloe plant, the patterned tablecloth, the abstract painting on the wall—speak to a blend of cultures and artistic influences. Given the title, "Alger," it's tempting to see this not just as a still life, but as a representation of French colonial presence in Algeria. The aloe, a plant native to North Africa, is placed alongside objects that evoke European domesticity, hinting at the intermingling of two distinct worlds. The painting on the wall could also signify the importation of European artistic values into Algeria, influencing the local aesthetic. Understanding this painting involves looking beyond its surface, researching the historical context of French Algeria, the role of art in colonial societies, and the biography of Boitel himself. This contextual research helps us to recognize the complex social and cultural forces that shape the artwork's meaning.