Ruiterstandbeeld van koning Filips IV van Spanje te Madrid 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu made this stereoscopic image of the equestrian statue of King Philip IV in Madrid. Portraying the Spanish monarch on horseback, the statue is an emblem of power. In the 19th century, photography emerged as a powerful medium to capture and disseminate such images. The monument becomes a symbol of national identity and historical narrative through the photograph. Andrieu’s choice to create a stereoscopic image adds an immersive quality, placing the viewer in the scene, in the presence of the King. While the statue represents a triumphant narrative of Spanish royalty, photography serves to democratize this image, making it accessible to a broader audience. It prompts a consideration of the relationship between power, representation, and accessibility. The image invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves through monuments and photography.