Stoomschip Willem III, na de brand van 1871 1871

Wegner & Mottu captured this photograph of the ‘Stoomschip Willem III’ after the fire of 1871. The image serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of progress and the human cost often intertwined with technological advancement. The charred remains of the steamship evoke a sense of loss, hinting at stories of those who sailed on her, the dreams of expansion and trade, and perhaps the harsh realities of labor and colonial ambition that propelled such ventures. The photograph acts as a historical witness, inviting reflection on the relationship between industry, human endeavor, and destruction. While the photograph does not explicitly portray human figures, the evidence of their labor is everywhere. What stories could this wreckage tell us about the people whose lives were interwoven with the ship? It’s a poignant reflection on impermanence and the ever-present shadow of potential devastation that accompanies even the most ambitious human endeavors.