Enfield Creek, near Ithaca, N.Y. Lucifer, or Main Fall, from South Bank 1860 - 1865

This stereoscopic card presents two nearly identical photographs of Enfield Creek, taken by J.C. Burritt. It’s a study in contrasts: the solid, stratified rock faces and the fluid, cascading water. Burritt captures a moment of dynamic tension, where the verticality of the falls confronts the horizontal layers of stone. This interplay creates a visual rhythm that is echoed in the gradations of light and shadow. The almost monochromatic palette emphasizes the textures—the rough, uneven surfaces of the rock versus the smooth, blurred motion of the water. The stereoscopic effect enhances the depth and dimensionality of the scene, pulling the viewer into the landscape. The falls, known alternatively as “Lucifer,” evokes a sense of the sublime, a powerful natural force. The duplication and slight variance of the images destabilize a singular viewpoint, suggesting the multiplicity of perception and the challenge of capturing nature’s essence.