Roeiboot met vijf mensen, op weg naar de wal 1889

This photograph depicts a rowboat with five people heading towards the shore, taken by Paul Güssfeldt. The photograph encapsulates a moment of leisure, but also speaks to the development of tourism and the changing relationship between humans and nature at this time. Made in Europe at the end of the 19th Century, a period of great industrial and social change, it reflects a growing interest in outdoor pursuits as a form of recreation. This was largely driven by the rise of the middle class who had the time and resources to engage in such activities, and advances in transportation that made remote locations more accessible. The landscape, often romanticized, becomes a backdrop for human experience. Historians can examine tourist guides, travelogues, and other period documents to understand the cultural values and social practices associated with leisure and nature during this era. The image encapsulates a specific cultural moment, shaped by economic developments, social changes, and evolving attitudes toward the natural world.