Poppentheater met dierfiguren c. 1855 - 1870

This is a stereoscopic photograph by Charles Segoffin, showing a puppet theatre with animal figures. The photographic process itself, emerging in the 19th century, rapidly became entangled with various social and institutional practices, as is evident here. The puppet show was a common form of entertainment, and it often served as a platform for social commentary. This photograph captures not only the puppet show itself but also the cultural values and beliefs that underpin it. The visual codes are abundant: the figure of a monkey dressed in clothes is an interesting element, as it might reflect colonial attitudes towards other cultures. The setting, ‘Paris’, with the mark of the photographer imprinted on the card, suggests a story about social class, cultural norms, and the politics of representation. Historians can explore various resources such as archives, newspapers, and literature from the period to understand better the cultural context. In doing so, we recognize the power of art and visual media in reflecting and shaping social attitudes.