Fontein te Madrid, met op de achtergrond het Palacio Real 1862 - 1876

This stereoscopic image, showing a fountain in Madrid with the Royal Palace in the background, was created by Jean Andrieu. During the mid-19th century, European society experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Photography emerged as a powerful tool for documenting and shaping perceptions of these changing environments. Andrieu's composition offers a glimpse into the opulence of the Spanish monarchy and the social stratification of the time. Stereoscopic images like this one provided viewers with an immersive experience, reinforcing a sense of distance between the viewer and the lives of the royals. The fountain, as a symbol of wealth and power, emphasizes these social and economic disparities. While appearing objective, photography, like all art forms, reflects the cultural biases of its creator and intended audience. Andrieu's photograph invites us to consider the complex relationship between representation, power, and identity in 19th-century Europe.