Man schrikt van een vrouw die binnenkomt 1854 - 1880

This stereoscopic image, made by the London Stereoscopic Company, presents a humorous scene in three-dimensional form using albumen prints on card stock. Stereoscopy involves taking two photographs of the same scene from slightly different angles, and then presenting each image to a separate eye. This creates an illusion of depth, making the scene appear three-dimensional. The albumen process, dominant in the 19th century, required coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, resulting in a glossy surface and fine detail. Here, this technique enhances the narrative, drawing the viewer into the startled moment of a man interrupted at his desk. This image reflects the era's fascination with new visual technologies and their capacity to simulate reality. The mass production of stereoscopic images also points to broader trends in consumer culture, where leisure and entertainment became increasingly accessible. By considering the materials and methods used in its creation, we can appreciate how this stereoscopic image captured the spirit of a time marked by technological innovation and social change, and how it blurs the line between technological progress and artistic expression.