Haven van Blé 1829

Victor Adam created this print called Haven van Blé, or Port au Blé, in the 19th century. As an artist working in France, Adam was deeply influenced by the social and economic transformations of his time. The print captures the bustling activity of a port, a crucial site for trade and labor in 19th-century Paris. The figures in the print tell stories of gendered labor. Predominantly male workers are engaged in the physically demanding task of loading and unloading goods. The presence of women, though less prominent, may speak to their roles in commerce and trade around the port. Adam’s portrayal of the working class emphasizes their collective effort. This print provides a window into the day-to-day lives of working people and invites us to reflect on the human cost of economic progress.