Gezicht op de haven van Bergen, Noorwegen before 1896

This photogravure of Bergen harbor in Norway was made by Riffarth & Cie. Meisenbach. It is one of many such images that emerged in the late 19th century. The photogravure process involves etching a photographic image onto a metal plate and then using it to make prints. The material qualities are significant here. Unlike a unique painting or drawing, this technique allowed for the mass production of images, playing a crucial role in shaping perceptions and promoting tourism. The image itself is a product of the industrial age. The ships, docks, and buildings are testaments to the economic activity that defined Bergen as a bustling port. The photogravure, with its reproducible nature, mirrors the efficiency and scale of industrial capitalism. This work invites us to consider how new technologies shape our understanding of the world, often blurring lines between art, industry, and commerce.