Young dragon trees (dracaena draco) near Orotava before 1886

Charles Piazzi Smyth made this stereoscopic photograph of young dragon trees near Orotava in Tenerife, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. Smyth was an astronomer, and his choice to photograph these trees reflects the Victorian era's fascination with the natural world, viewed through the lens of scientific exploration. The stereoscopic format itself was cutting-edge technology, aiming to provide a more realistic, three-dimensional view, aligning with the period's emphasis on empirical observation and documentation. Consider that this image was produced during a time when the Canary Islands were becoming a popular destination for European scientists and tourists, drawn by their unique flora and landscapes. Smyth's photograph contributes to a broader visual archive that both celebrates and, in some ways, colonizes these landscapes. To understand the full scope of this image, further research into the history of photography, the scientific expeditions of the time, and the cultural context of Victorian tourism would reveal the complex interplay between art, science, and society.