Tafereel in een huiskamer op 1 april 1852 - 1863

Editor: This quirky stereoscopic print, titled "Tafereel in een huiskamer op 1 april," or "Scene in a living room on April 1st," made sometime between 1852 and 1863 by an anonymous artist, has quite the comedic air. The man in the fez has a gleeful, almost mischievous grin. What’s your read on this playful scene? Curator: Well, immediately I think of a staged joke – those old April Fool’s gags! The photograph has the delightful absurdity of a music hall skit, don’t you think? I wonder, could this be a comment on class? Is it poking fun at wealthy men wearing, say, Turkish inspired attire? What narrative springs to your mind? Editor: I imagined the man in the fez as an eccentric uncle, up to no good. I also thought of amateur theatrics - a group hamming it up in someone’s parlor. Do you think there's something in the photography itself adding to this effect? Curator: Precisely. Early photography, like this stereo card, was all about capturing *real* life, so a scene like this feels like a breach of the implicit contract with the viewer, doesn’t it? It feels...unexpected. What do you think of the composition - does it add to this playful feeling? Editor: Definitely, I think it almost looks like a theater stage, but in someone's home. This makes me wonder how people viewed early photography - if this image went against the 'norm'. Curator: It certainly does seem that way! Looking at this, it really gives me a peek into the Victorian sense of humour - something so very distinct from today’s funny bone. Editor: Exactly! I’ve certainly learned a lot and will not look at stereoscopic prints the same again!