Aphrodite; Herkales and Venus de Medici; Art Institute 1893

This stereograph, made by Henry Hamilton Bennett in Wisconsin, shows classical sculptures exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago. Stereographs like this one became very popular during the 19th century. They gave people access to three-dimensional images of art, travel destinations, and historical events. In this way, they democratized knowledge and appreciation of art beyond elite circles. The Art Institute, like other museums, played an important role in shaping cultural values by deciding which artworks were worthy of display. Placing these classical sculptures in their collection suggests a desire to connect Chicago to the artistic traditions of Europe. To better understand the social function of photography, museums, and the display of classical art, we could look at exhibition catalogues, period publications, and visitor records. Only then we will fully grasp the cultural meanings that this image carried at the time.