The Devil's Way, Algiers 1879

Curator: This is Stephen J. Ferris's etching, "The Devil's Way, Algiers," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me immediately as a study in contrasts, a dark, enclosed space versus the suggestion of light and activity just beyond the archway. Curator: Indeed. Ferris captures the orientalist fascination of the late 19th century, framing his subjects within the architecture of Algiers. The composition, with its deep shadows and tight focus, contributes to the scene's air of mystery. Editor: The title itself is telling. Are we meant to infer something about these figures, about the “devil” residing within this place or perhaps these interactions? Curator: The etcher's skill is on display in the textures he achieves with such simple marks. The rough stone, the flowing garments—it all contributes to a feeling of lived-in reality. Editor: It’s a powerful reminder of how art captures and reflects societal perceptions, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. Examining its style, we gain a clearer insight into how Algiers was viewed through a western lens.