Exterieur van het Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes te Toledo 1862 - 1876

This stereo card shows the exterior of the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo, Spain, and was produced by Jean Andrieu sometime before 1872, the year of his death. Stereo cards like this one were very popular in the latter half of the 19th century. Sold as inexpensive souvenirs, they offered a portable, three-dimensional viewing experience. They became a widespread form of visual culture, democratizing access to places and monuments that would otherwise be inaccessible to the average person. The gothic architecture and historical significance of the monastery made it an ideal subject. Founded by Queen Isabella I of Castile in the 15th century, the monastery was built to commemorate the birth of her son and to serve as her mausoleum. Understanding the cultural and political context of the time, the role of the monarchy, and the religious and artistic movements, is essential to interpreting this image fully. By consulting archives and historical documents, we can better understand the image’s original cultural impact.