Draaibank voor treinwielen op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in het Crystal Palace in Londen 1851

This photograph by C.M. Ferrier and F. von Martens captures a train wheel lathe at the Great Exhibition of 1851, showcasing industrial innovation. The composition is dominated by the stark geometry of the machinery, the circular forms of the wheels contrasting with the rectilinear structure of the lathe itself. The sepia tones evoke a sense of historical distance, yet the sharp focus on the machine invites close inspection. The photograph engages with the nineteenth-century fascination with technology and progress. The detailed rendering of the lathe transforms it into an almost monumental subject, reflecting the era's belief in the transformative power of industry. By presenting the machine as an object of artistic interest, the photograph destabilizes traditional aesthetic categories, elevating utilitarian objects to the realm of fine art. Note how the formal qualities of the image—its composition and tonal range—function not only aesthetically but also as a cultural document, reflecting the values and aspirations of its time.