Start van de race Parijs-Amsterdam voor automobielen Possibly 1898

Delizy captured the start of the Paris-Amsterdam automobile race in this photograph of indeterminate date. Its sepia tones speak to early photographic processes, and give the image a tangible sense of history. What might seem like a simple snapshot actually speaks volumes about early 20th century industry and society. The automobiles themselves represent a revolution in manufacturing, each one the product of countless hours of labor and a complex web of supply chains. The dust kicked up by the tires is almost a material in itself, a by-product of progress that affects everyone. The photograph also encapsulates the culture of spectacle that came along with the rise of the automobile. Racing events like this were not just about technological innovation, but about creating excitement and promoting consumption. By considering the materials and making, and the social context of this image, we can better understand the complex relationship between technology, labor, and culture that continues to shape our world today.