Berglandschap; de Alpen c. 1860 - 1880

This stereoscopic photograph, titled "Berglandschap; de Alpen" (Mountain Landscape; the Alps), was created by Achille Quinet. It is an albumen print mounted on card. Consider the material of albumen, derived from egg whites, used to bind the photographic chemicals to the paper. This was a labor-intensive process, reflecting the burgeoning industry of photography in the 19th century. Quinet's choice of the stereoscopic format offers an immersive, almost tactile experience of the Alps, a landscape increasingly accessible through developing transportation networks. The twin images, when viewed through a stereoscope, coalesce into a single, three-dimensional scene. This technological approach speaks to photography's role in shaping perceptions of nature, turning it into a commodity for consumption. The very act of capturing and presenting the landscape embodies a shift in our relationship to the natural world, framing it as an object of both aesthetic appreciation and commercial interest. So, beyond the vista, this image holds a reflection on the social and economic forces at play in its creation and consumption.