Gezicht op goederenoverslag per trein in de haven van Genua c. 1860 - 1890

Alfredo Noack created this photograph of Genoa's harbor sometime in the late 19th century. It presents us with a striking image of a port city in transition. Here, the modern technology of the railway meets traditional sailing ships. Noack’s photograph captures a moment of intense economic change in Italy, and across Europe. Genoa was a vital port for trade and travel, and the railways enabled faster distribution of goods inland. This juxtaposition speaks to the tensions of the era. We might ask: did this new technology benefit everyone equally? Who prospered, and who was left behind? Was it a harbinger of progress, or a threat to established ways of life? To answer these questions, historians consult a wide range of sources, including trade statistics, government documents, and personal accounts. By placing the image in its historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of its social and economic implications.