Zeilschepen, waaronder Dorothy, Caprice en Astore, te water c. 1880 - 1900

James Adamson captured this photograph of sailing ships, including the Dorothy, Caprice, and Astore. This would have been quite a technical feat, as the collodion process used at the time would have demanded both meticulous chemical preparation and split-second timing. The albumen print gives the image a sepia tone, imbuing the scene with a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Each sail is rendered in exquisite detail, the texture of the fabric almost palpable. Consider the amount of labor involved, not just in taking the photograph, but also in the construction and maintenance of the boats themselves. In this era, sailing was both a leisure pursuit and a display of wealth, underwritten by the labor of countless individuals involved in shipbuilding and maritime trades. By focusing on the material aspects of this photograph, we can better understand the social and economic context in which it was created, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry.