Københavns Havn 1885 - 1899

"Københavns Havn" is a black and white print by Henrik Bornemann, who lived through some turbulent times in Europe, dying in 1951, after two world wars. The print offers us a glimpse into the bustling Copenhagen harbor. What stories do these ships carry, and what lives are intertwined with the goods they transport? Consider the labor, often unseen, that goes into making a port city function: from dockworkers to sailors, these individuals come from various social strata and geographical locations, each contributing to the city’s vibrant, yet complex, identity. Bornemann captures a moment in time, yet he also evokes a sense of timelessness, as harbors have always been places of transit, exchange, and human connection. The emotional weight of departures and arrivals, the dreams of new beginnings, and the memories of home – all are present in this image.