Twee zeilschepen varen een haven uit before 1900

This photograph by Dehaspe captures two sailing ships leaving a harbor. The sepia tones speak to the early history of photography, a process that relies on light-sensitive chemicals. The image-making process also brings forth social and cultural significance. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the paper the photograph is printed on, giving the image a tactile quality. Photography in the past often demanded time and careful attention from the photographer and the subject. The composition, with the ships gracefully gliding out to sea, evokes a sense of adventure and industry. Understanding the materials, and the labor involved in creating this photograph, encourages us to appreciate not only the aesthetic qualities but also the historical and social context in which it was made. It reminds us that art is not just about the final image, but also about the journey of its creation.