Gezicht op het Griekse theater van Taormina 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu captured this stereoscopic photograph of the Greek theatre of Taormina in Sicily, though the date is unknown. Stereoscopic photographs like this one were immensely popular in the 19th century, offering viewers a sense of depth and immersion. But they also tapped into the rising trend of cultural tourism. As travel became more accessible, people wanted to see famous sites and bring back souvenirs. This image fits into that context, offering viewers a glimpse of a historical monument. The theater itself is a fascinating blend of cultures, initially built by the Greeks and later modified by the Romans. Andrieu's photograph captures its ruins, hinting at the passage of time and the shifting powers that have shaped Sicily's identity. Art historians rely on a range of sources, from travel logs to archaeological records, to understand how places like the Greek theatre of Taormina have been represented and understood across different periods. These images tell us as much about the present, as they do about the past.