Gezicht op de Bastei en de Basteibrug c. 1880 - 1900

This is a stereoscopic photograph of the Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland, likely made in the late 19th century by August Carstenn. The image presents a romantic vision of the natural landscape, framed through the then-novel technology of stereoscopic photography. The Bastei Bridge, built in 1851, was a significant tourist attraction, and images like this served to promote the area and fuel the burgeoning tourism industry. The term "Saxon Switzerland" itself highlights the cultural construction of landscape, likening the region to the more famous Swiss Alps and attracting visitors seeking similar picturesque views. This photograph reflects the intersection of technology, tourism, and the romantic idealization of nature in the 19th century. To fully understand its significance, one might consult historical archives, travel guides, and photographic collections to explore the social and economic context in which it was produced and consumed.