Vier gezichten op Hamburg, afgebeeld de oude en nieuwe Jungfernstieg, de Alsterdamm, de Alsterarkaden en de Reesendammbrücke 1894

Wilhelm Dreesen created this photographic print titled 'Four Views of Hamburg' showing the Jungfernstieg, Alsterdamm, Alsterarkaden, and Reesendammbrücke. This image offers insight into Hamburg's urban development and social life during the late 19th or early 20th century. The architecture, with its mix of grand buildings and public spaces, reflects the city's economic prosperity as a major port and trading center. Dreesen's choice of subject matter highlights the importance of these locations as symbols of Hamburg's identity. The Jungfernstieg, a promenade along the Alster Lake, served as a gathering place for the city's elite, while the Alsterarkaden, with their Venetian-style arches, added a touch of elegance to the waterfront. Historians interested in Hamburg's urban and social history can explore archives, city planning documents, and period newspapers to better understand the context in which Dreesen created this image. By studying these sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which art reflects and shapes our understanding of the world around us.