Sur Le Chemin Du Marché 

Eugène Girardet painted ‘Sur Le Chemin Du Marché’ during a time when European artists frequently depicted the Middle East and North Africa. Girardet, like many of his contemporaries, was drawn to the region's exoticism. But these depictions often reflect colonial attitudes. The woman, her features obscured by a veil, becomes a symbol. She carries a heavy load, both literally on the donkey and figuratively, as a representation of North African culture. The bright colors and detailed scenery might initially appeal to us, but it’s important to consider how this image perpetuates a one-sided story. Does it celebrate the beauty of the landscape and the dignity of its people, or does it exoticize and reduce them to picturesque stereotypes? How can we, as viewers, look beyond the surface to understand the complex power dynamics at play, and ask ourselves what stories remain untold?