Gezicht op Bad Harzburg, met de Burgberg op de achtergrond 1868 - 1890

This stereoscopic photograph by Hermann Selle presents a view of Bad Harzburg, with the Burgberg in the background. Its sepia tones and doubled format offer a window into a world shaped by emerging photographic technologies. Photography in this era wasn't just about capturing an image; it was a chemical process, requiring careful manipulation of light-sensitive materials and precise timing in the darkroom. The stereoscopic format itself involved a specialized camera with two lenses, mimicking human vision to create an illusion of depth, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the scene. Beyond aesthetics, the photograph speaks to a shift in how people experienced the world. With advancements in transportation and printing, images became more accessible, fueling a growing appetite for travel and exploration. This photograph wasn't just a piece of art; it was a commodity, produced and distributed as part of a burgeoning visual culture. Looking closely at the image-making process reveals how the photograph is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption.