Stadhuis van Neurenberg 1868 - 1888

Johann Friedrich Stiehm created this stereoscopic image of the Nuremberg City Hall using photography in the 19th century. The rise of photography occurred during a time of immense social and political change, and Stiehm's work reflects a desire to capture and preserve images of a rapidly changing world. The choice of subject matter is particularly significant when viewed through the lens of German identity and history. City Hall represents civic authority and local governance and reflects the values and aspirations of the community it serves. Stiehm’s composition presents a traditional, ordered society that has been managed throughout generations. However, photography also democratized representation, providing opportunities for marginalized communities to assert their presence and challenge dominant narratives. Stiehm's work exists within this tension, embodying both the desire to preserve tradition and the potential to disrupt established hierarchies. This image serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the representation of history and identity.