Gezicht op de waterval van Pisserache in de Simplonpas c. 1850 - 1880

Florentin Charnaux made this stereoscopic photograph of the Pisserache waterfall in the Simplon Pass, sometime in the mid-19th century. At this time, photography was transforming the way people saw and understood the world. A growing industry of commercial photographers sought to document exotic places in a way that was newly available to the masses. The image invites viewers to experience the grandeur of nature from the comfort of their homes, tapping into a growing interest in landscape and travel. The waterfall, a popular subject for artists and writers, symbolized the sublime power of nature. Charnaux’s photograph captures this awe-inspiring quality, while also presenting a meticulously composed and easily reproducible image. To better understand the historical context of this photograph, one might investigate travel guides and promotional materials from the period, as well as consult archives of photographic studios and collections. Only then can we begin to appreciate the social and institutional forces that shaped the production and reception of this captivating image.