Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam 1900 - 1902

Here is the script for the audio guide: This stereoscopic card made by an anonymous artist shows the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal in Amsterdam. Two identical photographs are mounted side by side, which when viewed through a stereoscope, would have created an illusion of depth. It’s a sepia toned image, and looking at it, I imagine the artist setting up their equipment on a chilly day, composing the shot, waiting for the light to be just right. What were they thinking about? What did they want to capture? The reflections in the water are particularly striking, mirroring the buildings and trees along the canal. It’s as if the city is doubled, creating a sense of depth and complexity. The bare winter branches reach into the sky like delicate brushstrokes. This piece reminds me of other artists who have tried to capture a sense of place, such as the impressionists with their fleeting snapshots of modern life. Artists are always building on what came before, borrowing ideas and pushing the boundaries of their chosen medium. It's this constant dialogue that keeps art alive and relevant.