Dorp aan een rivier in Egypte 1887 - 1910

G. Lekegian & Co. made this photograph of a village on a river in Egypt using a photographic process that was popular during the 19th century. This photograph offers a glimpse into the visual culture of Egypt during a period of significant social and political change. The image captures a tranquil scene, seemingly untouched by the forces of modernization and colonialism that were reshaping the country at the time. However, photography itself was a tool of empire, used to document and classify colonized peoples and lands. Consider how the photographer has framed the scene. Is this a romanticized view of Egyptian life, intended to appeal to Western tourists? Or does it offer a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of Egyptian society? To answer these questions, we might turn to archival sources, such as travel guides, colonial records, and the writings of Egyptian intellectuals and artists. By placing this photograph in its historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped its production and reception.