Harbor Scene 1850 - 1860

This is a photograph called "Harbor Scene" by Thomas Sutton, active in Britain in the mid-19th century. This image of sailing ships in harbor evokes the social and economic importance of maritime trade and naval power in Britain at the time. The composition of the image, the arrangement of the boats and the focus on the working figure in the lower left, suggests the way that social class structured the British world at this time. During this period, Britain's vast empire relied on the sea for the transportation of goods and people, as well as for military operations. Sutton's photograph captures a moment in this network, hinting at both the wealth and labor involved. We might research 19th century trade routes and social histories of port cities, to get a more detailed picture of life at the time. Artworks like this one invite us to consider the complex relationships between industry, empire, and everyday life in this period.