Graanhal of de Halle aux blés in Parijs 1858 - 1875

This photographic stereoview of the Graanhal, or Halle aux blés, in Paris, was made using a process that was once commonplace, yet now seems antiquated. The image is printed on albumen paper, a process invented in 1850, using egg whites to bind the photographic chemicals to the paper. This created a glossy surface and fine detail, essential for capturing the bustling market scene. The stereoscopic format, presenting two slightly different images side-by-side, was viewed through a special device to create a three-dimensional effect. This was a popular form of entertainment and documentation. The image itself freezes a moment in the relentless flow of commerce. One can imagine the labor involved in bringing the goods to market, the negotiations between buyers and sellers, and the sheer volume of transactions that took place here daily. The use of photography, a relatively new technology at the time, speaks to the increasing desire to document and understand the rapid changes brought about by industrialization and capitalism. Looking closely at the image, we can understand how a seemingly simple object is in fact an intersection of materials, processes, and social context.