Fall at Shurger's, East shore Cayuga Lake, near Ithaca, N.Y. 1860 - 1865

This stereograph, ‘Fall at Shurger's, East shore Cayuga Lake, near Ithaca, N.Y.’, of unknown date, by J.C. Burritt, presents two nearly identical images side by side, originally intended to create a three-dimensional effect when viewed through a stereoscope. The composition is dominated by the cascading waterfall and the surrounding dense foliage. The monochromatic palette emphasizes texture and form, highlighting the contrast between the smooth, flowing water and the rough, organic shapes of the rocks and trees. The fallen tree trunk spanning the waterfall acts as a horizontal axis, grounding the dynamic verticality of the water's descent. The stereograph challenges our perception by offering two perspectives, questioning the singularity of vision and truth in representation. This duality echoes broader philosophical concerns about objectivity and subjectivity. The act of viewing, therefore, becomes an exploration of how we construct reality through multiple viewpoints.