Gezicht op een kanaal met boten op Giudecca before 1898

This anonymous photograph captures a canal with boats on Giudecca and offers a glimpse into Venetian life. Giudecca, historically a working-class district, presents a complex interweaving of labor, trade, and everyday existence. The image may appear as a straightforward depiction of boats and canals, but it invites us to consider Venice’s relationship to the sea. In this image we see the exploitation of labor as people are working the boats and crossing the bridge, which is a strong contrast to the historical image of Venice as a tourist destination. The image presents the essence of Venetian identity through a lens of class and labor. It prompts reflections on the city's socio-economic dynamics. It urges us to consider the stories and labor embedded in its foundations. The image offers an intimate connection to the individuals who shaped Venice's maritime legacy.