Twee mannen in een automobiel op een landweg bij Varaville 1897 - 1898

This photograph by Delizy depicts two men in an automobile on a country road near Varaville. Printed on paper, the image captures not just a scene but also the burgeoning industrial age. The automobile, a symbol of technological advancement, is made of steel, rubber, and glass—materials processed through extensive labor. Consider the mines where the raw materials were extracted, the factories where they were forged, and the hands that assembled them. The photograph itself reflects a different kind of labor. The photographer meticulously captured this moment using glass plate negatives and developing processes that demanded skill and precision. Note the composition, the focus, and the tonality of the print. These are all deliberate choices. Ultimately, this image is more than just a snapshot. It’s a material document that encapsulates a moment of social and technological change. Recognizing the many layers of work involved in the making of both the car and the photograph, gives us a more complete understanding of its cultural significance.