Trein op het spoor Turbie Monte Carlo c. 1886 - 1896

This albumen print by Henry Pauw van Wieldrecht depicts the railway line from Monte Carlo to La Turbie. The image presents not only a technological marvel of its time but also a socio-economic statement. Produced during a period of rapid industrial expansion, the railway symbolizes progress and connectivity. Yet, it also raises questions about access and privilege. Who could afford to travel on this line? What impact did such infrastructure have on the landscape and local communities? The photograph creates meaning by contrasting the man-made structure with the natural environment, the train becomes a symbol of human ambition and intervention. Understanding this image requires researching the history of railway construction in Europe, the development of tourism in the French Riviera, and the social stratification of the late 19th century. By doing so, we can better appreciate how this photograph reflects and comments on the social structures of its time.