Gezicht op een sloot naast een molen before 1900

This photograph, *Gezicht op een sloot naast een molen* [View of a ditch next to a mill], was made by Johan Huijsser, likely in the early 20th century, using a photographic process. Photography, from its inception, has been tied to industrial production. The making of photographic images depended on a complex interplay of technology, chemical processes, and optics. Here, the monochrome image and its soft focus, evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the Dutch landscape. Looking closer, we can notice the windmill. This was not only a picturesque element but a crucial component of the Dutch economy, used for milling grain and pumping water. Huijsser’s choice of subject and the photographic process itself, emphasize the interconnectedness of technology, labor, and the environment. Ultimately, this photograph encourages us to reflect on the labor-intensive processes behind its creation and the cultural values embedded within the image itself.