Piazza del Plebiscito in Napels met de ruiterstandbeelden van Ferdinand I en Karel III van Spanje 1855 - 1875

This stereoscopic photograph shows the Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples, featuring equestrian statues of Ferdinand I and Charles III of Spain. Stereoscopic photographs like this one were a popular form of entertainment and documentation in the 19th century. The process involves taking two photographs of the same scene from slightly different angles, and then mounting them side-by-side. When viewed through a stereoscope, the brain combines the two images to create an illusion of depth. The mass production of stereo cards was enabled by industrial capitalism, and in turn, helped to promote it. As photography became more accessible, it also served as a tool for documenting places and cultures, often reinforcing social hierarchies by controlling what stories were told and whose perspectives were valued. The material and production techniques employed reflect both artistic choices and wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. This photograph is more than just a representation of a place; it’s a product of its time, shaped by technological advancements and social dynamics.