Gezicht op de botterwerf in Monnickendam c. 1900 - 1910

G. Hidderley captured this view of the Botterwerf in Monnickendam using photography, a medium that democratized art by allowing a more accessible and immediate representation of the world. At the time this image was captured, Monnickendam was a place deeply connected to its maritime heritage, with boatyards like this one being central to the town’s identity. The photograph provides a glimpse into the labor-intensive process of boat construction and repair, reflecting the lives of the working class. The image evokes a sense of community and shared purpose. Consider the social hierarchies inherent in the scene: the boatbuilders, likely men, engaged in physical labor versus the potential patrons who commissioned these vessels. The photograph preserves a moment in time, inviting us to reflect on the lives and labor that shaped this coastal community. It serves as a reminder of the past and its impact on the present.