Portret van een Egyptische vrouw, gehurkt met kruik before 1905

This photograph, made by Khardiache Frères, captures an Egyptian woman holding a kruik, or pitcher. The sepia tones create a sense of warmth, and the soft focus gives it a dreamy quality. The process of image making here, like a painting, starts with a blank slate, onto which elements are gradually added and refined. Looking closely at the woman's dress, I notice the intricate lace trim peeking out from beneath its hem. This small detail hints at the level of care and craftsmanship involved in creating the garment. It’s a reminder of the importance of materiality in art, and how the textures and surfaces of objects can shape our emotional experience of them. This photograph reminds me of the work of early female photographers, like Julia Margaret Cameron, who also sought to capture the beauty and dignity of their subjects. It’s a conversation across time and cultures. Art doesn't have to be pinned down, it’s more like a starting point for endless stories.