98. Mosquée Nabédémiane, à Alexandrie 1843

Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey created this print of the Nabedemian Mosque in Alexandria. Notice the composition and how the structure and minaret are centered, creating a focal point that draws the eye upward. The sepia tones lend a sense of timelessness, an effect achieved through subtle gradations of light and shadow. The texture, rendered with meticulous detail, captures the rough, sun-baked surfaces of the mosque, contrasting with the smooth domes and intricate latticework. This contrast plays into the dual nature of architectural representation: solidity versus the ephemeral quality of light. The linear perspective, combined with the elevated viewpoint, provides a comprehensive view of the mosque, situating it within its urban context. By using precise lines and careful shading, Girault de Prangey doesn’t just depict a building, but also evokes a sense of place and history. The formal elements of the print serve not only to document but also to interpret a cultural and architectural landscape.