In the Harbour of Algiers 1887

Anders Zorn captured this watercolor in 1887, “In the Harbour of Algiers,” and it offers us a glimpse into the complex social dynamics of the time. Zorn, a Swedish artist, situates two Algerian women in the foreground, their traditional veils contrasting with the bustling, modern port city behind them. The women are placed on the margins of society. Notice the architectural style and the clothing of the rower, clues to French colonial influence in Algeria at the time. What is the artist trying to say about cultural exchange, or perhaps, cultural imposition? Is the city’s development enriching all its residents, or is it furthering social stratification? These are the questions a historian might ask. By researching the colonial history of Algiers, demographic information, and the artist’s biography, we can understand the piece in its social and institutional context.