Plankenzaag bij een houten schuur, Mariánské Lázně 1855 - 1868

This is a stereoscopic photograph of a plank sawmill near Mariánské Lázně, created by František Fridrich in the late 19th century. It offers a glimpse into a world undergoing rapid transformation, with industrialization reshaping the landscape. In this image, we can see the intersection of labor, industry, and nature. Sawmills like this one relied on manual labor, often performed by working-class men, to process raw materials extracted from the surrounding forests. The very act of cutting and shaping wood reflects a gendered division of labor, where masculinity is associated with physical work and control over natural resources. Consider how the photograph itself plays a role in shaping our understanding of this scene. Through the eyes of Fridrich we are invited to imagine both the industrious activity within the mill and the broader economic forces at play. We must also reflect on the environmental impact, which is largely absent from the image, and the long-term consequences of deforestation and industrial expansion on the landscape and local communities.