Untitled c. 20th century

This photograph of an unknown location was taken by Félix, sometime between 1846 and 1901. It’s a simple image: a minaret looms in the background, while low walls, a domed building, and a single, thin tree fill the foreground. Félix was one of many European photographers drawn to North Africa in the late 19th century, driven by both an interest in Orientalism, and the developing technology of photography. These images of faraway lands fueled the European imagination, reflecting a complicated mix of curiosity, desire, and colonial ambition. The photograph captures a moment, but also hints at a complex relationship between the photographer, the subject, and the viewer. Consider the emotional weight of viewing this scene through the lens of history, where power dynamics and cultural exchange intersect. The image invites us to reflect on our own perspectives and assumptions when encountering unfamiliar landscapes and cultures, and the complicated history of representation.