[View of Koum] 1840 - 1869

Luigi Pesce captured this photograph, “View of Koum,” during a time of significant European interest in documenting the Middle East. The sepia tone gives the scene an antique feel, almost as though we are looking at a memory. Pesce’s lens presents us with more than just a landscape; it offers a glimpse into the dynamics of cultural exchange and representation during the 19th century. We see architectural elements intermingled with the everyday life of the people, hinting at the complex layers of history, religion, and social structure inherent to this place. It's impossible to ignore the implied power dynamic, the Western gaze framing an Eastern space. The photograph becomes a cultural artifact, capturing a moment in time, and inviting us to reflect on the act of seeing and being seen, and to consider the historical context that frames our perception.