Verschillende zeilschepen te water c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph, Verschillende zeilschepen te water, or “Various sailing ships on the water” was made by James Adamson, using a process of chemical development on paper. Photographs like this were luxury objects, even though they seem commonplace to us today. Notice how the sails have been captured as crisp white triangles against the grey of the sea and sky. This was no easy feat. Before the advent of digital photography, capturing a clear image of moving objects required skill and time. To produce this image, Adamson would have needed to understand the materials and techniques for preparing photographic plates, as well as operating specialized equipment like large-format cameras. It would have taken patience and attention to detail, and speaks to the growing interest in documenting maritime activities. The image is evidence of a culture in which leisure and technology intersected, and reminds us to value the craftsmanship in even the simplest-seeming of images.