Haringschip in de haven van Great Yarmouth before 1890

This photogravure called, "Haringschip in de haven van Great Yarmouth", was made by Peter Henry Emerson. Emerson was a British photographer who advocated for naturalistic photography, and he was interested in depicting rural life and labor in England. He thought photography should be a true expression of the artist's vision, capturing the beauty and essence of the natural world. This image shows herring ships docked in the harbor of Great Yarmouth, a major fishing port on the east coast of England. The image depicts the masts and rigging of the ships, creating a complex pattern against the sky. These ships and the work associated with them were central to the economic and cultural life of the region, offering a glimpse into the lives of working-class communities. Through this lens we can explore how the labor and lives of the working class is represented and valued.