Gezicht op de haven van vermoedelijk Triëst c. 1870 - 1890

Giuseppe Wulz captured this view of the harbor of Trieste using photography, a relatively new medium at the time, but when this was made, we are not sure. Looking at the image's composition we get a sense of the growing tension between the old and the new. Sailing ships are still present but the center stage is occupied by a steamship. The photograph creates meaning through visual codes that reference a specific time in history, probably around the late 19th century. The city of Trieste, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was a major port and a hub of trade. This harbor scene reflects Trieste's economic structures and its role in connecting different parts of the world. The image implicitly comments on the transition from sail to steam power, a significant development that accelerated global trade. To gain a deeper understanding of this photograph, one could consult historical records, trade statistics, and local archives. We might also study the development of photography as an institution and its impact on visual culture. Art is contingent on social and institutional context.