Gezicht op de citadel en de moskee van Mohammed Ali, Caïro 1888 - 1895

Jean Pascal Sébah captured this view of the Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo with photography, a medium then gaining traction in documenting the world through a colonial lens. Sébah, of Lebanese and Greek descent, positioned himself within a complex cultural landscape. His work catered to European tastes for Orientalist imagery while also serving the local population. This photograph isn't merely a depiction of architecture; it's a study in power and representation. The Citadel, a historic fortress, and the Ottoman-style mosque symbolize authority, yet the framing and composition subtly invite a Western gaze. The inclusion of local figures adds an element of exoticism, reinforcing the dynamic between observer and observed. Sébah’s photographs prompt questions about cultural exchange, the gaze, and the role of photography in shaping perceptions of identity. It serves as a visual record and an artifact embedded with layers of colonial history, cultural identity, and artistic interpretation.