Gezicht op een water c. 1865 - 1885

Willem Cornelis van Dijk captured this view of a waterfront in a photograph. The 19th century was a transformative period, with advancements in technology that led to the invention of photography, radically changing how we document and perceive the world. Photographs like this offer a glimpse into the social and cultural norms of the time. We can consider how public spaces such as these were designed and used, and who had access to them. Details in the image—architecture, fashion, and the activities of the people present—reflect the societal structures and values. It's important to remember that the images are not neutral records; they reflect the photographer's perspective and choices. What stories do these images tell about the past, and what do they leave out? What can they tell us about the history of the space in view?