Gezicht op de Notre-Dame in Parijs before 1868

This stereoscopic view of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was created by an anonymous photographer, using a technique that was revolutionary at the time. Stereoscopy involved taking two photographs from slightly different angles, and then mounting them side by side. When viewed through a special viewer, the brain combines the two images to create a single, three-dimensional picture. The effect is quite remarkable, bringing a sense of depth and realism to the scene. Beyond the technical aspect, the material qualities of this print speak to a moment of democratization. Photography made images of famous landmarks more widely available, and the stereoscope brought that experience into the home. The mass production of these images also relied on the labor of many workers, from the photographers themselves to the technicians who developed and printed the images. In this way, even a seemingly simple photograph can tell a complex story about technology, labor, and the changing nature of visual culture.