Schepen in de binnenhaven van Delfzijl Possibly 1895 - 1898

Johannes Gerardus Kramer made this photograph, 'Ships in the Inner Harbour of Delfzijl', using a camera and darkroom processes. Photography, though now ubiquitous, was then a relatively new medium, tied to the rise of industrial chemistry. The sepia tone and the texture of the print itself are key to its effect, imbuing the scene with a sense of history. You can almost smell the sea air and hear the sounds of labor. The image captures a moment in time, but also speaks to the broader social and economic context of the port. The presence of these ships suggests trade, labor, and the movement of goods and people, all essential to the modern industrial world. Kramer’s choice of photography as a medium wasn't just about documentation; it was a conscious decision to engage with the materials and processes of his time. So, next time you look at a photograph, remember to consider not just what it depicts, but how the very act of making it shapes its meaning.