Architectural Study in Mexico 1864 - 1869

François Aubert made this photograph titled "Architectural Study in Mexico." Aubert was working during a period of French intervention in Mexico. This photograph offers us a glimpse into the complex interplay of colonialism, identity, and representation. The choice to focus on architectural ruins, framed by native flora, speaks to a tension between the imposition of European ideals and the enduring presence of Mexican culture. The buildings in the photograph evoke questions about whose stories are told and whose are erased in the construction of national identity. This image serves as a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in image-making and the importance of critically examining the narratives they present. What does it mean to frame a culture through the lens of its ruins, and how does this shape our understanding of its history and identity?