Bovenste gallerij van de patio van het Alcazar in Sevilla 1862 - 1876

This stereoscopic image shows the upper gallery of the Patio de las Muñecas at the Alcázar of Seville, and was taken by Jean Andrieu in the mid-19th century. The Alcázar, a royal palace, embodies layers of Spanish history, and the Patio de las Muñecas, or Courtyard of the Dolls, is at its heart. Andrieu’s photograph captures the intricate Moorish-inspired architecture, reflecting a complex cultural exchange. The presence of this architecture speaks to centuries of Islamic rule in Spain, and their lasting influence after the Reconquista. Consider the position of the photographer: a 19th-century Frenchman capturing a Spanish palace that reflects the impact of North African empires. This image becomes more than a mere depiction; it's a narrative about power, cultural identity, and how history is visually framed. It encourages us to reflect on how we engage with and represent histories that are not our own.