Markt Vene Satama in Helsinki met aangemeerde bootjes met handel. 1898

This photograph, titled "Markt Vene Satama in Helsinki met aangemeerde bootjes met handel," was taken by Henry Pauw van Wieldrecht. It depicts a bustling market scene in Helsinki, filled with vendors and customers interacting along the waterfront. The photo offers a glimpse into the economic and social life of early 20th-century Finland. What stands out is the prominent role of women. Many of the vendors and shoppers appear to be women. This is suggestive of the gendered division of labor. The women are active participants in the marketplace, indicative of their economic contributions and social roles. The boats, loaded with goods, suggest a connection to maritime trade and the importance of the sea to Helsinki's economy. The architecture in the background provides a sense of place, situating the market within the urban landscape of the city. Together, these elements create a snapshot of daily life and commerce in a specific time and place. This evokes a sense of nostalgia and invites reflection on the changing nature of urban life.