Gezicht op de S.S. Vega met op de achtergrond de S.S. Kong Harald 1913

This photograph of the S.S. Vega, with the S.S. Kong Harald in the distance, was taken by R. Conyers Morrell. As a photographic print, this work is the product of both chemical and mechanical processes. Think about the labor that went into its making: from the mining of the silver used in the emulsion, to the industrial production of the ship itself. The photograph flattens the image, but the texture of the water and the hulking presence of the ships still come through. The tonal range, from the dark mountains to the gleaming water, shows us the skill of the photographer and printer. Photographs like these were important tools of documentation and promotion. They fed into a culture of exploration and consumption, encouraging further industrial activity in even the most remote regions. Paying attention to the making and context of this image allows us to consider the connections between industry, art, and environment.