Gezicht op een haven, vermoedelijk in Sydney c. 1890 - 1910

This photograph, "Gezicht op een haven, vermoedelijk in Sydney," was captured by Charles Bayliss, offering us a glimpse into late 19th-century Australia. Bayliss was known for his landscapes which celebrated Australia's economic progress. However, this image invites us to consider the complexities of that era. The ships in the harbor, symbols of trade and connection, also represent the colonial project and its impact on indigenous populations. As we look at the bustling harbor, it’s important to remember that this "progress" came at a significant cost to the Aboriginal people, whose land was being transformed. What stories are absent from this image? How might the Indigenous peoples have viewed this scene? Bayliss's photograph acts as a powerful reminder of the interwoven narratives of progress, identity, and displacement. It encourages us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are often left unseen.