Waterdrager giet water in een kruik, Caïro 1888 - 1895

This photograph, "Waterdrager giet water in een kruik, Caïro", was taken by Jean Pascal Sébah in Cairo. The subdued sepia tones create a visual experience dominated by texture and form. The composition is structured around the central figure and the objects related to his task: the large waterskin, the receiving jar, and the ornate wooden screen in the background. The play of light and shadow across the brickwork and the water carrier's clothing emphasizes the materiality of the scene. The photograph's significance lies in its representation of labor and utility. However, the careful arrangement of elements elevates it beyond mere documentation. The formal qualities of the photograph—its tonal range and balanced composition—suggest an attempt to imbue the everyday with a sense of dignity and aesthetic value. The photograph challenges viewers to consider the interplay between form and function, representation and reality.