Onthulling van Naatje (het Monument ter herinnering aan de Volksgeest van 1830-1831) op de Dam in Amsterdam Possibly 1856 - 1858

This photograph by Pieter Oosterhuis captures the unveiling of the Naatje Monument in Amsterdam. As a stereo card, it invites viewers to step into the scene, witnessing the monument’s dedication firsthand. Notice the monument itself, likely constructed from stone. It's a testament to both skilled labor, and industrial extraction, with all the attendant social issues. The photograph provides insight into the modes of production and social context, capturing a moment of civic pride frozen in time through the then-modern technology of photography. The symmetry of the stereo format, combined with the photograph's sepia tones, lend the photograph an otherworldly sensibility. By understanding the work's material qualities and historical context, we can fully appreciate the rich tapestry of meaning woven into this seemingly simple image, challenging the traditional boundaries between documentary, craft, and fine art.