Treinwagon met gewonde soldaten bij de Oranjerivier, Zuid-Afrika 1900

This photograph shows a train wagon with wounded soldiers by the Orange River, South Africa. It was made by an anonymous artist, using photography. The image's materiality is a key part of its message. The photograph is not just a representation of a scene, but also a record of the technological processes of image-making at the time. Photography had become increasingly industrialized, and the mass production of images like this one allowed for a wide dissemination of information and propaganda. The use of photography in this context also raises questions about the ethics of documenting human suffering and the role of the photographer in shaping public opinion about labor, politics, and consumption. By focusing on the materials, making, and context of the artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of its full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.