Mosquée de Sultan Haçan, Le Kaire Possibly 1849 - 1852

Captured by Maxime Du Camp, this photograph presents the Mosquée de Sultan Haçan in Le Kaire, using a monochromatic palette to emphasize form and structure. The composition focuses on the geometric interplay between the minaret's vertical thrust and the dome's spherical volume. This contrast highlights the architectural mass, lending a monumental quality to the image, while the soft light gently reveals the texture of the stone, adding depth to the facade. Du Camp masterfully uses the photographic medium to explore how light interacts with form. The photograph invites us to consider how the interplay of light and shadow can articulate the cultural and historical significance of architectural space. Through its formal elements, the image prompts an ongoing dialogue between the viewer and the enduring structures of human civilization.