Burcht Rheinstein bij Trechtingshausen, Duitsland 1860 - 1870

This stereoscopic photograph showing Burg Rheinstein in Germany was made by Hippolyte Jouvin in the middle of the 19th century. In this period, we see the advent of mass tourism and with that, popular imagery that catered to a growing public interested in sites of natural beauty and historical significance. Here, the castle ruin perches theatrically on its crag, framed by picturesque foliage. The stereoscopic format simulates three-dimensional space, offering the viewer a satisfyingly illusionistic experience of being present in the German landscape. The castle itself invites contemplation on German history. Originally built in the 14th century, it was reconstructed in the 19th as part of the Romantic Rhine movement. This movement drew on medieval history to create a sense of national identity. The castle is presented as a visual code of German cultural heritage. To understand this image better, we might look at archives of tourist ephemera, or research the history of heritage preservation in 19th-century Germany. The meaning of art always resides in its complex interaction with social and institutional forces.