Scheepswerf in Amsterdam 1859

This is a stereoscopic albumen print of the Scheepswerf in Amsterdam, made by Pieter Oosterhuis. The photograph offers a double perspective, achieved through two nearly identical images placed side by side, which creates an illusion of depth when viewed through a stereoscope. The light is diffuse, bathing the shipyard in a soft, almost dreamlike atmosphere, which is consistent with Oosterhuis' interest in capturing not just the subject, but also the mood of the scene. Structurally, the composition is dominated by the imposing forms of the ships, their vertical masts reaching upwards. This photograph challenges our perception of space, typical of the 19th century when photography expanded representational possibilities. It invites us to consider the role of technology in shaping our understanding of the world.