House of Cornelius Rufus in Pompeii, House of Russian princes 1880

This stereoscopic image of the House of Cornelius Rufus in Pompeii was captured by Roberto Rive in the 19th century. Notice the sepia tones, which lend the scene a feeling of antiquity, a visual echo of the site’s historical depth. The composition is structured around the ruins: columns, partial walls, and what seems to be the remnants of a domestic space. Rive uses the stereoscopic format to enhance the sense of depth. The play of light and shadow across the textured surfaces invites the viewer to consider the passage of time and the forces of nature. The photograph operates as a sign, pointing beyond itself to a complex web of historical and cultural meanings. It raises questions about representation, preservation, and the ways in which we engage with the past. The stereoscopic format itself highlights the interplay between perception and reality. It reminds us that our understanding is always mediated through constructed images and experiences.