Klimmers langs Le Mauvais Pas nabij Chamonix c. 1860 - 1880

This stereo card, titled "Klimmers langs Le Mauvais Pas nabij Chamonix," was created by Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy. At first glance, we see a mountain scene. But what does it mean to look at it through the lens of the mid-19th century? During this era, mountaineering was becoming increasingly popular among European elites, who were predominantly white men. This burgeoning interest was intertwined with notions of conquering nature and asserting dominance over the landscape. In this context, the image may be interpreted as a reflection of the prevailing attitudes towards exploration and adventure, framed by the gendered and racial dynamics of the time. The climb itself becomes symbolic of the social and political hierarchies of the era. This photograph transports us to a moment in time, inviting us to consider the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, and the ways in which power and privilege shape our perceptions of both.