Eagle's Cage, Lincoln Park c. 1873

This stereoscopic view of "Eagle's Cage, Lincoln Park" by Copelin and Son, presents a dual vision of a Victorian aviary, captured through the lens of early photography. The structure's intricate latticework dominates, forming a symmetrical cage-like space that both contains and displays its inhabitants. The sepia tones emphasize the delicate lines and geometric forms of the aviary against the backdrop of organic foliage. This contrast between the geometric structure and the natural setting suggests a tension between human control and the wild. Through a semiotic lens, the "Eagle's Cage" can be interpreted as a signifier of power and containment. The cage, typically a symbol of restriction, is rendered as a display of architectural prowess. The stereoscopic format invites viewers to question fixed meanings and consider the multifaceted layers of representation within this seemingly simple image. The interplay between form and function is a testament to the era's fascination with categorizing and controlling the natural world.