Gezicht op Málaga 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu created this stereoscopic photograph of Málaga, Spain in the mid-19th century, a time of significant social and technological change. Photography itself was still a relatively new medium, offering novel ways of seeing and documenting the world. The image presents a panoramic view of the city, with its dense architecture and landscape. Consider the gaze of the photographer and for whom this image was created. During this period, Spain was often seen through the lens of orientalism, framed by European expectations and fantasies. How might this perspective affect the way Málaga is represented? Stereoscopic images like this one were popular forms of entertainment and education, allowing viewers to experience a sense of depth and immersion. This photograph invites us to reflect on how visual media shapes our perceptions of place and culture, as well as the complex interplay between observer and observed.