Fregat 'De Wassenaar' in het Oosterdok, Amsterdam 1900 - 1902

Editor: So, this is a stereoscopic albumen print from between 1900 and 1902, showing the Fregat 'De Wassenaar' in Amsterdam's Oosterdok. The crispness is remarkable for its age. What stands out to you in terms of how we might interpret this scene through a historical lens? Curator: What I see is a carefully constructed image designed to project a certain vision of maritime power and civic pride. Consider the photographic technique: stereoscopic albumen printing allowed for a detailed and almost hyper-realistic depiction, appealing to viewers seeking immersive experiences. Editor: Hyper-realistic...yes, I can see that, the reflections on the water are so crisp. Curator: Exactly. The choice of the 'De Wassenaar', a formidable naval vessel, isn’t accidental either. In an era of intense naval competition amongst European powers, images like these were carefully consumed. It's as much about showing it to the public and other countries as to ourselves, you see? Do you notice the framing of the shot and the placement of the ship within it? Editor: Now that you mention it, it is dead center. Is that significant? Curator: Very much so! This is a conscious decision. The artist is deliberately showcasing technological advancements, trade and national ambitions. This imagery played a role in shaping the public's perception of the Dutch position on the world stage. These visual records served a political function. It helped the public identify and be proud of their city and their nation. Editor: Wow, I never considered photography of something as straightforward as a ship to have such complex underlying motives! Curator: Precisely. It serves as a visual tool shaping our understanding of their historical and social role. Editor: That's definitely a new perspective for me! I'll never look at old photographs the same way again. Thanks!