Gezicht op het stadhuis van Brussel 1866 - 1870

This stereograph, *Gezicht op het stadhuis van Brussel*, was created by Jules Hippolyte Quéval using albumen print. The subdued sepia tones and the stereoscopic format together render a palpable, almost tactile experience of architectural space. The composition is dominated by the vertical thrust of the town hall's tower, countered by the horizontal expanse of the building itself. Quéval masterfully employs light and shadow to articulate the intricate details of the Gothic facade. This interplay serves to enhance the three-dimensional illusion, inviting the viewer into the scene. The stereograph operates as a kind of visual sign, capturing not just a physical structure but also the cultural and historical weight of Brussels. It prompts us to question how photography, as a medium, shapes our perception and understanding of place. The subtle variations between the two images offer a disjunctive experience which challenges the singularity of vision.