Interieur van de Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Parijs met de tombe van Genoveva van Parijs c. 1850 - 1880

Hippolyte Jouvin captured this stereoscopic photograph of the interior of the Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris, likely in the 1860s. It presents the tomb of Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, in minute detail, intended for viewing in three dimensions. This image offers a fascinating insight into the relationship between photography, religion, and burgeoning tourism in mid-19th century France. Stereoscopic images were hugely popular, providing immersive, almost ‘real’ views of faraway places and grand monuments. The church itself, with its flamboyant Gothic architecture and association with Parisian identity, became a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists. Jouvin's photograph participates in this cultural moment, commodifying the sacred space for mass consumption. To understand this image more fully, it's important to consider the religious and political climate of France at the time. Researching the history of the church, the cult of Saint Genevieve, and the development of photography as a commercial enterprise will enrich our understanding of Jouvin's photograph. This image is a testament to the social forces and institutions that shape not only artistic production, but also our engagement with history and faith.