Graven van de kaliefen, Caïro, Egypte 1856 - 1860

Francis Frith created this albumen print of the Tombs of the Caliphs in Cairo using a process developed in the mid-19th century. This photographic technique involved coating paper with albumen, derived from egg whites, to create a glossy surface receptive to light-sensitive chemicals. The visual texture in this print, achieved through the precise manipulation of chemistry and light, offers a detailed view of the Cairo Necropolis, a city of the dead. The stark contrast between the sunlit domes and shadowed archways speaks volumes about the region's climate and the architectural ingenuity required to adapt to it. Frith's choice of medium is not incidental; the albumen print allowed for mass production and distribution, catering to a growing interest in distant lands fueled by colonialism and trade. This intersection of art, commerce, and cultural exchange underscores the complex social context in which Frith operated, blurring the lines between documentarian, artist, and entrepreneur. Understanding the materiality and processes behind this print deepens our appreciation of its historical and cultural significance.