Shots in Amsterdam, Warnemünde, and Warnsborn 1889 - 1893

Willem Frederik Piek Jr. made this gelatin silver print, titled Shots in Amsterdam, Warnemünde, and Warnsborn, using photographic processes rooted in industrial production. The sepia tones and slightly soft focus are characteristic of this photographic method, which relies on chemical reactions harnessed and controlled in factory settings. The gelatin emulsion, spread on a paper base, captures a fleeting moment with surprising clarity given the technology of the time. Photography in this era was becoming increasingly accessible, yet still required expertise in chemistry and optics, which Piek clearly possessed. The image itself, a candid snapshot aboard ship, belies the labor involved in its creation. The careful composition, capturing figures in dynamic motion, suggests an awareness of both the science and art of image-making. Ultimately, this photograph, while seemingly a casual snapshot, represents the intersection of industrial technology, artistic vision, and social context, challenging our notions of both art and craft.