Gezicht op Capellen en slot Stolzenfels, gezien vanuit Lahnstein, Duitsland 1884

This photograph of Capellen and Stolzenfels castle, taken in 1884 by Sophus Williams, is a stereoscopic print, a popular form of mass media at the time. The photographic process itself is critical to understanding this artwork. Light-sensitive chemicals, a camera obscura, and printing techniques were all essential. These processes democratized image-making, moving it away from the skilled labor of painting towards a more industrialized mode of production. Consider the social context. The late 19th century saw the rise of tourism and a fascination with picturesque views. Photography like this catered to that desire, offering easily reproducible images for mass consumption. The division of labor inherent in the production of this image is also worth noting, from the photographer to the printers, each playing a role in its creation. Looking at this photograph through the lens of material culture reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are products of complex industrial processes and social forces, challenging our notions of art and craft.