Stoomlocomotief before 1871

This photograph, "Stoomlocomotief", was made by George Gardner Rockwood using a photographic printing process that was relatively new at the time. Rockwood’s choice of subject is telling, as steam locomotives were a quintessential symbol of the industrial revolution. The image is not just a representation of the machine, but also of the massive industries and labor forces required to build and operate them. Think of the coal miners, steelworkers, and engineers, all contributing to the relentless engine of progress. Photography was not yet considered high art in Rockwood's time. It was a relatively democratic medium, used for documentation, portraiture, and even advertising. By photographing a locomotive, Rockwood elevates a symbol of industry to an object of contemplation. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technology, labor, and art. It prompts us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our world, and the role of creative practices in reflecting and critiquing them.