Gezicht op het Palacio Real te Madrid 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu made this stereoscopic photograph of the Palacio Real in Madrid sometime in the mid-19th century. The process involves a camera with two lenses, mimicking the binocular vision of our eyes. When viewed through a stereoscope, the two images merge, creating a three-dimensional effect. Photography in this period was a complex and laborious process, far removed from the instant snapshots we take today. It involved coating glass plates with light-sensitive emulsions, carefully timing exposures, and meticulously developing the images in a darkroom. Each print was a unique object, reflecting the photographer's skill and the specific conditions of the moment. Stereoscopic views like this were hugely popular, offering a virtual window onto the world. They democratized access to distant places and cultures, bringing the wonders of the world into people's homes. The mass production and consumption of these images also speaks to the rise of industrial capitalism and a growing desire for visual entertainment. By understanding the materials and processes behind this photograph, we can appreciate its significance not only as a historical document, but also as a tangible object that connects us to the past.