Reconstruction In The Pictorial Space: Architectural Structures And Urban Depictions Of Cairo In Orientalist Paintings

This article discusses the use of city depictions and architectural structures in the Orient, as represented in 19th-century Orientalist paintings by European artists, as visual documents in architectural and art historical studies. It focuses on the extent to which these architectural representations correspond to actual existing structures and whether Orientalist paintings can be considered an alternative visual record in architectural history research. Existing studies on Orientalist paintings largely examine the political context of the period and the direct or intended messages conveyed by these artworks. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the visual documentary value of architectural representations from the perspective of architectural history is necessary. Indeed, 19th-century paintings continue to serve as significant visual sources in architectural, urban, and art history research. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by exploring how Orientalist paintings can be utilised as sources in architectural history research by addressing the limitations they present in this context. While examining the intersections of 19th-century Orientalist paintings with architectural history, this article adopts a theoretical framework that encompasses visual representation, historical accuracy, and the construction of architectural imagery. Rather than offering a general critique of Orientalist discourse and art, it provides a practical assessment of the validity of these paintings as academic sources. The study specifically analyses architectural imagery in paintings of Cairo, one of the most frequently visited cities by Western painters and architects throughout the 19th century. Undoubtedly, architectural depictions in Orientalist paintings serve as valuable visual resources for architectural history. However, the representations of buildings in these paintings may deviate from reality in terms of proportions, dimensions, and forms. Some structures depicted may not have actually existed, or their formal characteristics may be subject to debate within the pictorial space. Such depictions, where fantasy and reality intertwine, extend beyond architectural imagery and influence the representations of the cityscape. Despite the expansion of Cairo’s urban boundaries and the establishment of new residential areas in the 19th century, the paintings often ignore these changes and remain confined to specific, selected locations. As a result, the representation of 19th-century Cairo has been transmitted to the present day through a selective silhouette rather than a comprehensive and realistic depiction of the city. The article emphasises that while Orientalist paintings provide important visual resources for architectural and art historical research, they should not be interpreted as absolute realities. Although they possess visual documentary value, the study demonstrates through evidence that these documents must be evaluated from a critical perspective.