Pont over de Rijn bij Königswinter c. 1895 - 1905

This is a vintage photograph by David Vermeulen, titled “Pont over de Rijn bij Königswinter”, of the Rhine River at Königswinter. It captures a specific moment in the region's cultural and economic history. The pont, or ferry, was once the center of the community, and the figures in the frame, perhaps travelers or locals, represent its economic lifeblood. The image reflects the social structures of the time, highlighting the importance of river transport in an era before extensive bridge-building. To fully appreciate this photograph, one must delve into the institutional history of transport and trade on the Rhine. By examining archival documents, local histories, and economic data, we can reconstruct the role of this ferry in the larger network of commerce and communication. This approach underscores that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.