Ruïnes van het Palais des Tuileries tijdens de Commune van Parijs in 1871 1871

This stereoscopic photograph by Charles Dauvois shows the ruins of the Palais des Tuileries in Paris during the Commune of 1871. It's a small object, made from paper and photographic chemicals, yet it speaks volumes about labor, politics, and consumption. Photography itself, a relatively new medium at the time, democratized image-making, offering a seemingly objective record of events. But consider the labor involved: from the photographer capturing the scene, to the workers producing the photographic materials, each contributed to the creation of this artifact. The photographic process, while appearing straightforward, was reliant on complex chemical processes, and a growing industry invested in capturing and disseminating images. The image captures the destructive aftermath of the Paris Commune, a radical socialist government that briefly ruled the city. The Tuileries Palace, a symbol of monarchy and aristocracy, was burned during the Commune's suppression, and stands as a potent symbol of social upheaval and class struggle. Through the lens of materials and making, we see how photography, as a medium, intersects with social issues. It challenges our traditional distinctions between art and craft, offering a powerful commentary on labor, politics, and consumption.