Rokende en drinkende mannen en mannen op kamelen Possibly 1843

"Rokende en drinkende mannen en mannen op kamelen" is a print by Cham, created during a time of increased French interest in North Africa. Through caricature, Cham offers a glimpse into Algerian life, filtered through a colonial lens. The scenes of men drinking and smoking, alongside camel riders, may seem like simple observations, but they also speak to the complex relationship between France and Algeria. There’s a tension here – an attempt to understand and document, but also to define and perhaps subtly mock. How does Cham navigate the cultural differences he encounters? Are these images a form of documentation, or do they perpetuate stereotypes? Consider how our own perspectives shape what we see when we look at art from different times and places. It challenges us to think critically about the stories we tell ourselves and others about different cultures.