Deelnemers aan de race Parijs-Amsterdam passeren in hun automobielen een pontonbrug te Nijmegen 1898

This vintage photograph by Delizy captures the Paris-Amsterdam race cars as they navigate a pontoon bridge in Nijmegen. The image, housed at the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the early 20th century when automobiles were revolutionizing travel and sport. The photograph documents a moment of technological advancement, but what remains unsaid is equally important. Who were the spectators lining the bridge, and what did this spectacle mean to them? The image subtly speaks to the excitement and the class dynamics of the era, where the spectacle of speed and technology was largely enjoyed by the privileged. Consider the environmental impact of these races, not often discussed, and the labor required to build and maintain these machines and bridges. This photograph is more than just a depiction of a race; it’s a layered narrative of progress, privilege, and the unspoken costs of technological advancement.