Gezicht op een straat met rijtuigen te Parijs c. 1850 - 1875

This is a vintage photograph by Jouve that presents a dual view of a Parisian street bustling with horse-drawn carriages. The composition is structured by strong linear perspectives, drawing the eye deep into the scene along the avenues framed by trees and architecture. The sepia tones evoke a sense of history, but it’s the formal arrangement that speaks to the era's fascination with capturing modernity. The stereo format itself plays with perception, offering a pseudo three-dimensional view that mimics human vision and engages with the burgeoning science of optics. The photograph uses the semiotic system of perspective to simulate depth and distance on a flat plane. Consider how the ordered layout mirrors the urban planning of the time, reflecting a desire to impose structure on the chaos of city life. This photograph is not just a record of a moment but a carefully constructed view that engages with broader themes of order, perception, and the representation of space.