Scala dei Giganti op de binnenplaats van het Dogenpaleis te Venetië c. 1860 - 1880

This stereoscopic photograph of the Scala dei Giganti in Venice, was created by C. Coen & Figlio. Stereoscopic photographs like this were made through a meticulous process. It involved using a specialized camera with two lenses to capture two nearly identical images simultaneously. When viewed through a stereoscope, the slight difference between these images creates an illusion of depth, offering a vivid, three-dimensional experience. The popularity of stereoscopic photography in the 19th century highlights the era's fascination with realism and technological innovation. Studios mass-produced cards like this one, making them accessible to a wide audience. These images captured not just the grand Scala dei Giganti, but also a desire to bring distant, exotic places into the home. This exemplifies how photography democratized experiences, offering a tangible connection to art, architecture, and culture beyond one's immediate surroundings.