Scène uit Le tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours 1876

This stereoscopic card, a scene from "Around the World in Eighty Days," presents a tableau of conflict amidst a stark, snow-covered landscape. Note the motif of collective violence: a group of soldiers, unified in action, aiming their rifles. This image evokes the ancient symbol of sacrifice, reminiscent of scenes from antiquity, where communal rituals often involved acts of both creation and destruction. Consider the gesture of aiming a weapon, recurring throughout art history, from ancient battle scenes to modern war photography. In each context, it carries a potent charge of aggression and power. The ritualized nature of this action, with its roots in primitive hunting practices, taps into a collective memory of survival and dominance. This primal symbolism has resurfaced throughout history, evolving from a necessity for survival to a tool of conquest and oppression. The psychological weight of this image lies in its ability to stir deep-seated fears and anxieties, reminding us of humanity's complex relationship with violence.