Vier mannen en een vrouw aan de bar, op de rug gezien c. 1880 - 1910

This sepia-toned stereoscopic card, made by the Universal Stereoscopic View Company, offers a glimpse into a bygone social scene. Produced through a combination of photography and printing, it captures a row of figures at a bar, immortalizing a fleeting moment. The making of this image speaks volumes about the era. The stereoscopic format, designed to create an illusion of depth when viewed through a special device, was a popular form of entertainment and documentation. Its mass production reflects the rise of consumer culture and the accessibility of photographic technology. The scene itself offers insights into social dynamics. The figures, mostly men, are captured in a candid moment of leisure, their backs turned to the viewer. It prompts questions about the rituals of social drinking, the spaces where these interactions occurred, and the labor involved in sustaining such establishments. The card embodies a specific cultural moment, raising broader questions about class, leisure, and representation.