Gezicht op vijvers in de tuin van Versailles c. 1860 - 1880

Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy made this stereoscopic photograph of the ponds in the garden of Versailles. The image's symmetrical composition and elevated perspective reveal the gardens’ elaborate geometric layout, typical of French formal gardens in the 17th century. This aesthetic embodies the social and political context of its time, reflecting the absolute power of the French monarchy and the aristocracy. Versailles, originally a royal hunting lodge, was transformed into a sprawling palace and gardens by Louis XIV, becoming a symbol of royal authority and control over nature and society. The gardens, with their meticulously designed parterres, fountains, and sculptures, served as a stage for royal ceremonies and entertainment, reinforcing the image of the king as the center of the universe. Understanding this image requires looking at archival documents, garden plans, and accounts of court life. The image’s value lies in its ability to reflect the social structures of its time, reminding us that the meaning of art and architecture is contingent on their social and institutional context.