['Caisson on slipway', 'After the launch'] 1885

This photogravure shows two stages in the life of a caisson, a floating gate used in shipbuilding. The image reveals much about the labor and materials involved in shipbuilding at the time. The caisson itself is an imposing structure of riveted steel, a testament to the industrial processes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Look at the caisson on the slipway: the photograph captures the sheer scale of the object and the built environment surrounding its construction. The stark black and white tones emphasize the weight and density of the materials. The photogravure process, with its velvety texture, enhances the industrial aesthetic. The labor-intensive nature of shipbuilding, requiring teams of workers and specialized skills, is implied in the image of the drydock. The photogravure invites us to consider the intersection of art, industry, and labor, and reminds us that even seemingly functional objects are products of human skill and ingenuity.