Gezicht op de haven van Dundee before 1877

This albumen print of Dundee Harbour was made by James Valentine sometime in the mid-19th century. Valentine ran a successful photography business in Dundee, Scotland, documenting the country’s urban and rural landscapes during a period of rapid industrial and social change. Dundee, known for its jute production and shipbuilding, experienced significant growth in the 19th century. The photograph shows the bustling activity of the harbor, reflecting Dundee's economic vitality. The ships, infrastructure, and overall scene speak to Scotland's role in global trade and the city's contribution to the British Empire. To fully understand this photograph, we need to dig into the archives of Dundee's history, exploring records of trade, industry, and urban development. These resources help reveal the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly straightforward image of a port city.