Bemanningsleden aan boord van een schip, het glas heffend 1860 - 1890

Paulo Robin captured this photograph of ship personnel raising a glass, using an early photographic process. The image presents us with an intriguing glimpse into the lives of maritime workers, yet it is also silent about their identities and experiences. The camaraderie among the men is evident, but the picture also begs the question, whose stories are absent? Were there men of color, or lower-ranking members of the crew whose experiences were distinctly different? These early photographs, while seemingly objective, are always framed by the photographer's choices and the societal norms of the time. They reflect a specific narrative, often sidelining the diverse realities that constitute the human experience. The smiles and toasts captured here evoke a sense of unity, but also remind us of the complexities and untold stories that lie beneath the surface of such images.