Aqudeuct Bridge 1873 - 1881

This stereograph of an Aqueduct Bridge was made by J.W. & J.S. Moulton around 1873-1881. What is striking here is how the bridge is portrayed as a feat of engineering, with the stereographic format allowing for an immersive visual depth. The structure is presented with a robust sense of line and form. The bridge spans across the scene with a series of arches supported by solid pillars. Each component is captured with a clarity that speaks to the photographer’s interest in form and structure. Note the stark contrast between the static solidity of the bridge’s stonework, and the motion of the water. The photographic medium itself plays a crucial role here. The sepia tones and the textures captured by the camera create a tangible presence, as if the photograph were not just a representation but an index of the bridge itself. This image challenges our perception of space and representation, inviting us to consider how visual technologies shape our understanding of the built environment.