Gezicht op de Burcht van Boeda in Boedapest 1868

Charles Gaudin made this stereoscopic photograph, “Gezicht op de Burcht van Boeda in Boedapest,” capturing a view of Buda Castle in Budapest. During this period, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was marked by significant political and social tensions. As a commercial photographer, Gaudin offered viewers an intimate glimpse into foreign lands. This photograph captures the grandeur of Buda Castle, a symbol of power and authority. Note the composition, with the castle elevated on the hill. The use of stereoscopy adds depth and realism, creating a palpable experience for the viewer. While seemingly a straightforward landscape, consider how the perspective and framing construct a particular narrative. What does it mean to view another culture through the lens of a foreign photographer? Photographs like these offered both escape and a mediated form of understanding in a rapidly changing world. It highlights the intersection of culture, politics, and personal experience, inviting us to reflect on our own positions as viewers and interpreters.