Interieur van het Panthéon te Parijs c. 1850 - 1875

The London Stereoscopic Company captured this photograph of the interior of the Panthéon in Paris using the stereoscope technique. These images were popular in the mid-19th century, allowing viewers to experience a three-dimensional effect, offering a seemingly ‘real’ glimpse into faraway places. Originally built as a church, the Panthéon became a secular monument during the French Revolution, intended to honor distinguished French citizens. The image presents an emotionally and politically charged space, reflecting the shifting ideologies of France at the time. The choice of photographing the Panthéon speaks to the 19th-century fascination with national identity and civic virtue. Stereoscopic images, like this one, played a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of both national and international landmarks. The London Stereoscopic Company democratized access to iconic sites, yet simultaneously framed these sites through a colonial lens. The image romanticizes French national identity, while raising questions about whose stories are being amplified and whose are being left out.