Gezicht op Santa Cruz de la Palma c. 1860 - 1875

This stereoscopic photograph of Santa Cruz de la Palma was produced by Juan G. Mende, using a camera and darkroom techniques that were rapidly advancing in the late 19th century. Early photography like this was a fascinating mix of craft and science. The photographer had to be a master of chemistry, mixing the right emulsions to coat the glass plates, and a skilled darkroom technician. But even more than that, they had to be a canny operator. The making of a photographic print was labor intensive. Photographers would have had to carefully compose the shot, considering light and shadow, and then spend hours in the darkroom, manipulating the image to achieve the desired effect. Stereoscopic photographs like this one offered viewers a unique experience. The two slightly different images, when viewed through a stereoscope, create the illusion of depth, allowing the viewer to feel as if they are truly present in the scene. This novel technology helped to change people's perspectives on the world, and brought faraway places closer to home. Ultimately, this photograph is a reminder that all art is rooted in material processes, and that understanding these processes can help us to appreciate the skill and creativity of the artist.