Standbeeld van Hendrik Tollens in Rotterdam 1860 - 1885

This stereoscopic photograph shows the statue of Hendrik Tollens in Rotterdam, and was taken by Pieter Oosterhuis. Although undated, it's important to consider the 19th-century context in which this image was created. Stereoscopic photography offered viewers an immersive, almost tangible experience of a scene, reflecting a cultural desire for realism and engagement with the world. In the 19th century, public monuments were potent symbols of national identity and cultural values. Statues like that of Hendrik Tollens helped solidify a collective memory, honoring figures deemed important to Dutch society. Consider what it means to memorialize someone in this way, particularly a poet. How does the act of erecting a statue transform a person into a symbol, and what does it mean to preserve this image through photography? This photograph isn't just a depiction; it’s a statement about who and what society chooses to remember. It invites us to reflect on the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of history and identity.