Untitled 1875 - 1899

This stereoscopic card presents two nearly identical albumen prints, likely from the late 19th century, capturing a monumental building. The sepia tones and the symmetry of the dual images create a fascinating visual echo, inviting us to consider questions of duplication and perception. The architectural subject, with its rigid grid of windows and imposing facade, is presented twice, accentuating its form and mass. This repetition isn’t merely about documentation; it engages with the burgeoning technology of stereoscopy, which aimed to replicate human vision and provide a heightened sense of depth and reality. The effect is a destabilization of singular perspective, suggesting that reality itself can be constructed and experienced in multiple, slightly varied viewpoints. In this context, the photograph becomes a commentary on how we perceive space and the ways in which technology can alter our understanding of the visible world.