Gezelschap aan boord van de raderboot de Hohenzollern 1889

Paul Güssfeldt created this photograph of a group aboard the raderboot, or paddle steamer, the Hohenzollern. Though the exact date is unknown, we can consider the historical context of Germany’s rapid industrialization and colonial ambitions in the late 19th century. The photograph offers a glimpse into the leisure activities of the privileged class. We can see a group of men, possibly dignitaries or wealthy merchants, enjoying a boat trip. Such leisurely pursuits were often financed through colonial extraction and exploitation, creating a stark contrast between the lived experiences of different social classes. What do you make of the man in a wheelchair near the center? His presence invites questions about disability, representation, and visibility in the late 19th century. Ultimately, this image provides a snapshot of a particular historical moment, inviting us to consider the complex interplay of wealth, power, and representation. It reminds us to critically examine the stories we tell about the past and whose voices are included or excluded.