Untitled [Nubian water carrier] c. 19th century

This 19th century photograph by Hippolyte Arnoux, titled "Untitled [Nubian water carrier]", depicts a Nubian woman in a white garment, seated with a large water jug in front of her. Her pose is both dignified and weary, highlighting the arduous nature of her work. The detail of shell necklaces and the presence of natural elements in the background suggest a focus on ethnographic documentation, a popular photographic genre of the time. "Untitled [Nubian water carrier]" provides a glimpse into the life of a Nubian woman in 19th century Sudan and is a striking example of early photography's ability to capture both cultural detail and human emotion.