Exterieur van het Hôtel-Dieu te Lyon c. 1855 - 1865

This stereoscopic image captures the exterior of the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon. The photographer, known as Fourvières, presents the monumental structure with its reflection shimmering in the river, likely during the latter half of the 19th century. The Hôtel-Dieu, initially a hospital, embodies centuries of care. Its architecture reflects both power and compassion. It also compels us to consider the identities and experiences of those who sought refuge and healing within its walls. Looking closer, notice the rubble and rudimentary equipment in the foreground which disrupt the grandeur of the scene. It hints at the labor and upheaval that underwrite the city's elegance. The workers here—often from the lower classes and immigrant communities—literally laid the groundwork for the city's development, yet their stories are too often obscured. Ultimately, this image invites us to contemplate the complex layers of history and human experience embedded within the urban landscape.