Gezicht op de koepel van de Kathedraal van de Maria-Tenhemelopneming te Palermo 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu captured this stereoscopic photograph of the dome of the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in Palermo. The print presents a dual image, a technique that was popular for creating an illusion of depth. Notice how the composition draws our eyes upwards, emphasizing the architectural grandeur of the dome through lines and form. The photograph uses light and shadow to highlight the texture and structure of the stone, creating a tactile sense of the building’s materiality. The perspective and repetition create a unique visual rhythm. The stereoscopic technique, beyond its novelty, mirrors a broader nineteenth-century interest in perception and representation. It's not just about seeing, but about how we see, inviting the viewer to actively engage with the image. This photograph is an exploration of space, form, and the very act of observation.