Untitled c. 20th century

This photograph of a North African cityscape was made by Félix, sometime in the late nineteenth century. At this time, France and other European powers were establishing colonies in Africa and Asia. Photography played a central role in this process, both documenting the colonized and shaping the European public’s perception of them. Here, Félix presents us with a distant view of closely packed buildings, punctuated by a minaret. The image is sepia-toned, lending it an antique feel, and the composition emphasizes the foreignness of the scene. The rooftops fill the frame and obscure any sense of street life, offering a sense of a place both inhabited and inaccessible. To better understand this image, we can look to sources from the period. Colonial archives, travelogues, and even world’s fair exhibitions can help us understand the complex power dynamics at play in Félix's work.