Gezicht op de Notre-Dame te Parijs c. 1850 - 1875

This stereoscopic image of the Notre-Dame in Paris, was produced by the London Stereoscopic Company. Stereoscopic images like this one gained popularity in the mid-19th century as a form of mass media entertainment and education. Before the age of digital media, they offered viewers an immersive, three-dimensional experience of distant places and historical landmarks. This photograph provides a window into the cultural values of the time period. The Notre-Dame was, and remains, a potent symbol of French identity. But, it is also an emblem of Catholic heritage in a rapidly changing world. It's a structure which has undergone numerous renovations to preserve its cultural status through periods of conflict and change. The stereoscopic format invites us to think about the relationship between perception and reality. The emotional impact of seeing such an iconic structure in this format might have evoked a sense of reverence. The image offers us both a sense of intimacy and detachment, encouraging contemplation on the cathedral's historical, spiritual, and architectural significance.