Gezicht op de Rotterdamse Diergaarde 1859 - 1865

"Gezicht op de Rotterdamse Diergaarde" (View of the Rotterdam Zoo) is a photograph by Dutch photographer Pieter Oosterhuis, dated 1859-1865 and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The image depicts a picturesque view of the Rotterdam Zoo, showcasing two pavilion-like buildings with Chinese-inspired architecture nestled amongst lush trees. The buildings are situated along a pond, adding to the serene and picturesque atmosphere of the zoo. Oosterhuis's keen eye for detail captures the beauty and tranquility of the zoo, offering a glimpse into the recreational landscape of 19th-century Rotterdam. The photograph is a fine example of early photography's ability to document not only the physical world but also its social and cultural context.