Niagara - Ice Mountain and American Fall c. late 19th century

This stereoscopic photograph of Niagara Falls was made in the 19th century by George Barker. Using two lenses and a double negative, the images were printed on albumen paper and mounted on card stock. While photography is often seen as a purely representational medium, the material and process here were quite labor-intensive. The wet-collodion process, used at the time, required careful timing and technical skill to capture an image. The final print was then created by skilled hands using the process of albumen printing, which involves coating paper with egg white, and exposing the negative to sunlight. The stereoscopic format offers viewers an immersive experience, making them feel as though they are present at the falls, which had become a popular tourist destination at the time. The industrialization of photography allowed for the mass production of these images, and consequently, mass consumption. Considering the materials, the labor involved, and the social context, this photograph offers insight into the cultural values, economic conditions, and technological advancements of the 19th century.