Echtpaar in bed c. 1890 - 1910

This stereoscopic image, produced by the Universal Stereoscopic View Company, employs a photographic technique popular in the late 19th century. The materiality of photography, the controlled chemical reactions on light-sensitive paper, is crucial to understanding its cultural impact. The image shows a staged scene of a couple in bed, the man being asked to remove his hat. What's interesting is how this image was made for mass consumption. Stereoscopic images were printed in multiples, demonstrating early industrial capitalism's impact on visual culture. These images were affordable and brought entertainment to middle-class homes. The paper itself, carefully coated with emulsions, speaks to the rise of photographic industries. The very act of capturing, printing, and distributing such images reflects a shift in how society consumed art and information, democratizing access while simultaneously commodifying everyday life. Recognizing the inherent qualities of the materials and the processes involved allows us to see beyond the surface of the image, and recognize the broader cultural and economic forces at play.