By the Fountain, Cairo

Set against the warm, sunlit stonework of Cairo’s old city, By the Fountain, Cairo captures a tranquil yet vibrant moment of everyday life. A group of women and children gather near a beautifully ornate public fountain—some seated, others chatting, resting, or simply watching the world go by. The latticework and arched architectural elements reflect Islamic design, while the red-and-white striped walls evoke the distinct texture of Cairo’s medieval mosques and madrasas.

Girardet’s use of color, light, and texture is masterful: the sunlight dances off the walls and garments, casting soft shadows and illuminating faces. This is a moment of pause in a busy city, where the sacred and the ordinary meet. It’s a work that tells stories of community, stillness, and the layered rhythm of life in Egypt’s capital.