Alta Vista observatory, from the Northern lava ridge before 1886

This is a photograph of the Alta Vista observatory from the northern lava ridge, made by Charles Piazzi Smyth. This photograph is a stereoscopic image, made in the early days of photography, and it relies on a clever technique to create a three-dimensional effect. The process involved capturing two slightly different perspectives of the scene, side by side, which when viewed through a stereoscope, would merge into a single image with remarkable depth. The monochromatic palette, dictated by the photographic processes of the time, gives it a timeless quality, emphasizing textures and tonal variations. Smyth was very interested in photography as a tool for documenting scientific endeavors. The amount of work that went into this process, from setting up the equipment in remote locations to the darkroom work, speaks of a real commitment to the work. It is important to consider the materiality and process of creation in photography, as it shows the social and cultural importance of the artwork, pushing the boundaries between art and craft.