Gezicht op de hangbrug in Rouen before 1885

This photograph, titled "Gezicht op de hangbrug in Rouen," captures a view of the suspension bridge in Rouen, France. The photographer, known only as N.C., invites us to reflect on urban life and the industrial revolution's impact on the landscape. During this era, rapid industrialization and urbanization significantly altered the social fabric and physical appearance of cities. The bridge itself symbolizes progress, connecting communities and facilitating commerce. Yet, consider what's absent: the human element. Where are the workers, the families, the individuals whose lives were shaped by this new, industrialized world? This image serves as a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between progress and the human experience. It invites us to consider the stories of those whose lives were intertwined with the changing landscape of Rouen, to reflect on the personal impact of industrialization.