Gezicht op Bingen am Rhein, gezien vanaf burcht Klopp 1882

This stereoscopic photograph, capturing a view of Bingen am Rhein from Klopp Castle, was produced by Johann Friedrich Stiehm in 1882. The photographic process itself is key to understanding this work. Photography in the late 19th century was undergoing rapid industrialization, yet the making of images like this still involved considerable skill. Stiehm would have been deeply involved in the chemical processes required to produce this image, sensitizing the photographic plates, carefully controlling exposure times, and skillfully developing the print to achieve its tonal range and clarity. Stereoscopic images like this were also a key form of entertainment, allowing viewers to experience a sense of depth and immersion in scenes from around the world. This fed into the rise of tourism, and the commodification of experience more generally. So, when you look at this image, don't just see a pretty view. Consider the labor and the technologies that brought it into being, and the cultural context that made it such a desirable object.