Exterieur van Balmoral Castle nabij Aberdeen c. 1850 - 1880

This is a stereoscopic photograph of the exterior of Balmoral Castle near Aberdeen, made by James Valentine. Balmoral, a private residence of the British Royal Family since 1852, embodies a very particular intersection of power, identity, and land ownership. Valentine’s photograph invites us to consider the complex relationship between the monarchy, Scottish identity, and Victorian ideals of domesticity and empire. The castle, rebuilt under Prince Albert, was conceived as a family retreat and also a symbol of royal presence in Scotland. Queen Victoria wrote extensively about her affection for Balmoral, framing it as a space of personal freedom and connection to the Scottish landscape. However, this idyll was built upon a history of feudalism and colonial exploitation, subtly reflecting the uneven distribution of wealth and power inherent in the British Empire. Valentine’s photograph then becomes more than just a picturesque scene, it's a document of the many layers of cultural and historical meaning embedded in this architecture.