Gezicht op de haven van Hammerfest before 1892

Paul Güssfeldt created this print of Hammerfest harbor as an illustration for a book, capturing a moment in the late 19th century. The image offers a view of a harbor, a space of transit and exchange, but also one fraught with histories of exploration, colonialism, and resource extraction. Consider how the visual representation of the landscape and its inhabitants might reflect prevailing attitudes toward the Arctic region and its Indigenous populations. The image invites us to reflect on the relationship between the Western gaze and the representation of distant lands and peoples, as it would have reinforced a particular narrative about progress, civilization, and the exploitation of natural resources. This image provides insight into how geographical exploration and artistic representation were intertwined with broader political and economic agendas, shaping our understanding of the world and its diverse cultures.