Gezicht op het Atlasgebergte in het noorden van Algerije before 1893

This black and white photograph, "Gezicht op het Atlasgebergte in het noorden van Algerije," was taken by Jules Gervais-Courtellemont. The image presents a scene of stark contrasts. The monochromatic palette strips away the distraction of color, compelling us to focus on the interplay of light and shadow, and the shapes created by the landscape. The composition emphasizes the imposing scale of the Atlas Mountains through a narrow winding road. The high contrast between light and shadow creates a textural richness and a sense of depth. Notice how the artist uses the formal elements of light and shadow to explore the power and grandeur of nature. The photograph thus sets up a symbolic tension between the imposing, timeless mountain range and the human attempt to navigate and capture it, highlighting themes of exploration and representation. The landscape is seen through a lens that both honors and domesticates it.