Ellen's Isle, Loch Katrine c. mid 19th century

G.W. Wilson made this stereoscopic card of Ellen's Isle, Loch Katrine in Scotland, sometime in the second half of the 19th century. The image of a small island in a loch, framed by trees, embodies the picturesque aesthetic that became popular in Britain at the time. Loch Katrine was known for its romantic scenery, made famous by Sir Walter Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake", published in 1810. The poem contributed to the rise of tourism in the Scottish Highlands, and the rise of photography coincided with increased travel, so it makes sense that photographers like Wilson would seek to cater to the tourist trade. This card could be viewed through a stereoscope to create a three-dimensional image, making it a souvenir that could transport the viewer back to the Scottish Highlands. To understand the cultural significance of photographs like this, scholars consult travel guides, literature, and other visual materials like paintings and postcards. All these sources help us understand the social and cultural context of this photograph and the tourist industry that supported its production.