Gezicht op de Fontaine des Trois Grâces in Montpellier c. 1860 - 1880

This stereoscopic photograph captures the Fontaine des Trois Grâces in Montpellier, and was taken by Étienne Neurdein. The sepia tones lend a classical feel, emphasizing the monumentality of the fountain’s sculpture. The composition is structured around a clear foreground, where the fountain sits, and a blurred background that suggests a broader landscape. Neurdein frames the three graces, goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity, atop a rocky base and tiered fountain, creating a focal point that draws the eye upwards. The symmetry inherent in the stereoscopic format introduces an interesting play with perspective. The sculpture is viewed twice, which not only enhances the three-dimensionality, but also prompts questions about duplication and representation. This doubling effect destabilizes the uniqueness of the image, suggesting that reality can be reproduced and viewed from slightly varied angles. The formal arrangement invites viewers to consider how photography, even in its early days, engaged with ideas of reproducibility and the construction of visual experience.