Mannen, vrouwen en kind aan het ontbijt in de openlucht in Algerije Possibly 1895

Marotte made this photograph of men, women, and a child having breakfast outdoors in Algeria. Taken during the colonial period, this image captures the social dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized. The Europeans are dressed in their attire, while the Algerians wear traditional clothing. This visual code speaks to the power imbalances of the time, with the European presence dictating social norms. France's colonial presence in Algeria profoundly influenced its social fabric. The photograph, with its casual depiction of a mixed group, subtly reinforces the colonial narrative. However, by studying photographs like this, alongside texts from the period, we can unpack the complex socio-political implications of colonial rule.