Paleis in Potsdam, gelegen aan Potsdamerpark 1903

This stereoscopic photograph shows the Paleis in Potsdam, located on Potsdamerpark, and was created by Geldolph Adriaan Kessler. In this image, we see how the material qualities of photography influence its appearance. The photographic process captures light and shadow, creating a sepia-toned image with a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Look closely at the composition and note how the photographer has carefully framed the scene to emphasize depth and perspective. The placement of trees and garden ornaments leads the eye towards the palace in the distance, creating a sense of grandeur. The stereoscopic format adds another layer of depth, allowing the viewer to experience the scene in three dimensions. This technique was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a form of virtual tourism to those who couldn't travel to distant locations. The photograph invites us to consider the social context in which it was made. Photography democratized image-making, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and more accessible forms of visual representation.