Marktplein met de marktfontein in Bonn, Duitsland 1880 - 1890

This is Anselm Schmitz's stereo card photograph of the Marktplein with the marktfontein in Bonn, Germany, created sometime in the late 19th century. During this period, photography was transforming from a niche practice into a widespread form of documentation, and stereo cards offered viewers an immersive, almost three-dimensional experience of the world. The image captures a bustling market scene, with figures gathered around the fountain and market square. As we observe this historical moment frozen in time, we might reflect on the daily lives of the people depicted and how their identities were shaped by the social structures of the time. What were their hopes, dreams, and struggles? What constraints did gender, class, and social standing place upon them? Photographs like this often reinforce the prevailing narratives of their time, offering a selective view of reality that overlooks marginalized voices. As viewers, it’s important to critically examine this image and consider the stories that remain untold. This photograph serves as a reminder of the power of images to both reflect and shape our understanding of history.