Gezicht op het San Marcoplein, met op de achtergrond de Basiliek van San Marco c. 1860 - 1880

This stereoscopic photograph, “Gezicht op het San Marcoplein, met op de achtergrond de Basiliek van San Marco” was created by C. Coen & Figlio. The sepia tones give a sense of time. The two almost identical images are mounted side-by-side. Together they create a three-dimensional experience and an evocative scene of Venice. The perspective is structured by the strong lines of the buildings, drawing the eye towards the Basilica of San Marco. The multitude of tiny figures adds a sense of depth. Stereoscopic images gained popularity in the mid-19th century. They allowed viewers to experience scenes from around the world in a more immersive way. This photograph operates within the framework of representation and the construction of visual experience. It offers not just a view of a place, but a structured, mediated way of seeing. The lines, forms, and light are arranged to convey a specific understanding of space, culture, and identity, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns.