Scène in het St. James's Palace 1856 - 1861

Editor: Here we have "Scène in het St. James's Palace," made between 1856 and 1861 by James Elliott. It's fascinating – presented as a mixed media print and photograph. I'm immediately struck by the staged formality of it all. The figures are so carefully arranged. What's your take on this piece? Curator: Well, first off, the stereo effect is super interesting, right? It's like stepping into a tiny, elaborate stage play, especially with that crimson curtain framing everything. Forget reality; it is a romantic and royal peek. It’s not just documentation; it's a full-blown constructed reality, like reality TV, a Victorian Instagram if you like. Editor: I didn't really notice the three-dimensional effect! It is curious and very immersive, pulling you into that very space! What purpose did that staging serve? Curator: Ha, serving what master? This piece has no single job. I suggest that these genre tableaux spoke to the Victorians' fascination with social roles, class, and identity—perfect backdrops for fantasies and the very fabric of polite society. Now I am really itching for a theatre visit... or perhaps a royal tea party! Editor: Absolutely, it really shows you what those early years of mixed media techniques in photography were exploring. It reminds us how images have always played with reality, don't you think? Curator: Yes, spot on. And James Elliott? He wasn't just capturing an image; he was crafting an experience. Perhaps we are also creating this piece each time we talk about it? I believe we may well be adding value. What do you think?