Onderdelen van een stoomlocomotief before 1871

George Gardner Rockwood made this photograph of steam locomotive parts using a photographic process. The sepia tones of the print give the image a warmth which contrasts with the cold, hard, metallic nature of the machine components, and serve as a reminder of the labor and skill that went into their manufacture. Consider the amount of work involved in producing these parts. The casting, machining, and assembly of each component required a wide range of skills and knowledge. The photograph immortalizes the labor of the workers who made these locomotive parts. This image asks us to think about the relationship between photography, industry, and labor. In essence, the photograph transforms mundane industrial objects into aesthetically pleasing subjects, celebrating both the artistry of engineering and the skill of the photographer. It blurs the lines between documentation, art, and historical record.