Gezicht op het Dogepaleis in Venetië 1872 - 1876

This stereoscopic photograph of the Doge's Palace in Venice was made in the mid-19th century by Jean Andrieu. The photograph’s double image would have been viewed through a stereoscope, a popular form of entertainment during the Victorian era, that created an immersive three-dimensional viewing experience. This photograph, produced during a period of significant social and political change in Italy, captures a timeless view of Venetian architecture. The Doge's Palace, historically the center of Venetian political power, is presented here not as a site of power, but as a picturesque monument, a place of leisure for the modern tourist. The crisp detail made possible by the new technology of photography flattens any sense of social complexity. Understanding this image involves looking into the history of photography, Italian social history, and the rise of tourism in the 19th century. By examining these contexts, we can better understand the cultural meanings embedded in this seemingly simple photographic image.