Gezicht op de Monte Pellegrino, gezien vanaf Palermo c. 1856

This stereoscopic image by Claude Grillet captures Monte Pellegrino as seen from Palermo. The popularity of stereoscopic images grew in the mid-19th century, offering viewers an immersive, three-dimensional experience of distant places. Consider the rise of tourism in Europe during this period and this particular picture’s role in it. Sicily, with its rich history and picturesque landscapes, became a sought-after destination. These images catered to a growing market of armchair travelers. Grillet’s work, like other stereoscopic views, offers a window into the visual culture of the time. It reflects the increasing accessibility of photography and the burgeoning interest in travel and exploration among the middle classes. Such objects, therefore, offer invaluable insights into 19th-century leisure, commerce, and the democratization of sight. By consulting travel guides, photographic journals, and other primary sources, we can better appreciate the social and cultural context of images like this one.