Looppad te Eaux-Bonnes 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu made this stereoscopic photograph, Looppad te Eaux-Bonnes, sometime in the mid-19th century. As photography developed, it captured not just images, but also the social dynamics of its time. This image offers us a glimpse into the commercial landscape of a French spa town. The orderly arrangement of goods under a sheltered stall speaks to the burgeoning tourist industry and the ways local economies were adapting to cater to visitors. Who were the vendors? What were their stories? The stereoscopic format invites us to consider the idea of doubled perspectives, perhaps mirroring the dual experience of locals and tourists. While seemingly a simple commercial scene, this photograph encapsulates complex layers of economic exchange, social interaction, and the evolving identity of a place shaped by tourism. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between commerce, culture, and the gaze of the camera.