Vuurtorens van La Canche before 1883

This photograph, titled "Vuurtorens van La Canche," presents two lighthouses as structures made from stone and brick. The photograph itself is the result of a chemical process, and the labor that went into both constructing these buildings, and documenting them is implicit. Notice how the material of these lighthouses has influenced their appearance. The texture of the bricks and stone creates a sense of solidity, reflecting the weight and permanence of the structures. These materials and the way they're assembled emphasize their function, offering guidance and safety. The decision to capture these structures through photography, rather than painting or drawing, shows an engagement with contemporary methods of documentation. In this context, photography serves as a tool for recording and celebrating infrastructural achievement, while also bearing witness to human labor and material transformation. By considering the materials, processes, and social context of this photograph, we can appreciate the work's multifaceted nature and its connection to wider social issues. It encourages us to reconsider the value and artistry inherent in everyday objects and structures, challenging traditional distinctions between art, craft, and industry.