Gezicht op Emerald Pool te Jackson before 1878

The Bierstadt Brothers created this stereoscopic photograph of Emerald Pool in Jackson, New Hampshire. The image reflects the growing cultural interest in the American landscape during the 19th century, fueled by movements like Transcendentalism and the desire to define a national identity through its natural wonders. Stereoscopic photography was a popular form of entertainment and education in the Victorian era, allowing viewers to experience a sense of depth and immersion. The Bierstadt Brothers capitalized on this trend, producing scenic views of the White Mountains, a region that became a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque landscapes and accessibility via the expanding railroad network. This image reflects a broader phenomenon of landscape commodification and consumption by an increasingly mobile middle class. To understand this image fully, one might explore travel guides, tourist literature, and the biographies of visitors to the White Mountains. These resources could shed light on the cultural values and social practices that shaped the perception and appreciation of nature during this period.