Zeilschepen Yvonne, Woodcock en Doris te water c. 1880 - 1900

This photographic print, by James Adamson, captures the Yvonne, Woodcock and Doris sailboats in serene waters. The sepia tones and the smooth surface give the image a timeless quality, connecting us to the late 19th or early 20th century when sailing was both a leisure activity and a crucial means of transport and trade. The photographic process itself—involving the careful selection of chemicals, exposure times, and printing techniques—highlights a skilled tradition that bridges science and art. Each print would have been carefully crafted, reflecting an attention to detail similar to the craftsmanship found in boat building. Sailing, like photography, requires a deep understanding of materials and conditions. Looking closely, we might consider how the labor involved in creating both the sailboats and the photograph echoes the broader societal structures of the time, with access to leisure and technology often divided along class lines. This image reminds us that every artwork is a product of specific processes, materials, and social contexts.