Zuilenzaal in de harem van het Bardopaleis in Tunis c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph captures the column hall in the harem of the Bardo Palace in Tunis. It offers a fascinating insight into the artistry and construction of this architectural space. Notice the columns, the intricate tile work, and the painted ceilings. These features speak to the skill of the artisans involved. Stone, plaster, and pigments were carefully worked. This photograph reminds us that architecture is itself a craft, built by human hands. Consider the labor involved in realizing such a design. From quarrying the stone to mixing the plaster, each step required expertise and physical work. The columns, with their decorative capitals, would have demanded skilled carving and meticulous attention to detail. The tiled walls and painted ceilings, meanwhile, reveal the artistry of pattern-making and color application. By focusing on the process and materiality of this space, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance embedded within it. It blurs the lines between design and construction, between fine art and craft.