Studenten op het binnenhof van de Al-Azhar-moskee te Caïro 1888 - 1895

This photograph was taken by Jean Pascal Sébah, likely in the late 19th century, using the wet collodion process on glass. The technique involved coating a glass plate with a light-sensitive chemical emulsion, exposing it in the camera while still wet, and then developing it immediately. The sepia tone and soft focus are characteristic of this photographic method, which dominated visual culture for a time. But beyond its aesthetic qualities, the image reflects the growing accessibility of photography during this era, coinciding with increased global trade and colonial encounters. Sébah, who operated a studio in Cairo, catered to European tourists eager to capture images of exotic lands and peoples. This image is a product of its time, encapsulating both the artistry of early photography and its role in shaping perceptions of different cultures. It serves as a reminder that all art, including photography, is deeply embedded in social and economic contexts. It pushes us to question how modes of production affect visual aesthetics and influence our understanding of the world.