Gezicht op de Blauwburgwal, gezien vanaf de hoek van de Herenstraat en Herengracht, Amsterdam 1892 - 1902

This stereoscopic card, showing the Blauwburgwal canal in Amsterdam, was made by Sigmund Löw at an unknown date, using photography. Photography, as a medium, is inextricably linked to industrial advancements; from the manufacture of cameras and lenses, to the chemical processes involved in developing images. In this card, the architecture and street life of Amsterdam are captured with great clarity, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow. Yet, the production of the image itself reflects the societal shifts of the time. The stereoscopic format, with two nearly identical images side-by-side, creates a three-dimensional effect when viewed through a special device, offering a form of immersive experience. This innovation democratized image consumption, allowing the public to experience distant places and scenes from the comfort of their homes. Considering the materials, making, and context reveals how this photograph serves as both a window into a specific time and place, and a reflection of broader technological and cultural developments.