Sans titre 1870s

Félix Bonfils, a French photographer known for his documentation of the Middle East, created this untitled photograph in the 1870s. The photograph, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases a woman completely veiled in a white shawl, leaving only a glimpse of her floral patterned dress. This simple yet powerful image captures the traditional attire and cultural practices of women in the Middle East during that era. Bonfils's work, characterized by its focus on the region's people, landscapes, and architecture, offers a valuable glimpse into a bygone era.