South Bethlehem General Office Buildings c. 1895

William H. Rau made this albumen print, South Bethlehem General Office Buildings, at the end of the 19th century, an era defined by rapid industrial expansion. The photograph's composition invites us to consider the visual codes of progress and power embedded within the industrial landscape. The imposing architecture symbolizes the might of industry. Note the meticulous detail, likely intended to project an image of stability and control. The train tracks in the foreground are a potent symbol of the era's technological advancements. They emphasize the interconnectedness of industry and its role in shaping society. We might ask, what were the prevailing social attitudes towards industrialization at the time? How did institutions like corporations shape the narrative around progress? By researching period documents, such as corporate reports, local newspapers, and city planning records, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the social, cultural, and institutional forces at play during the making of this image.