Rolandstandbeeld op het marktplein in Bremen 1887

This stereoscopic photograph shows the Roland statue in the market square of Bremen. It was captured by Louis Koch, though the specific date is not known. Stereoscopic photographs like this one were immensely popular in the late 19th century, offering viewers an immersive, almost three-dimensional experience of distant places and monuments. The statue itself symbolizes civic freedom and justice, embodying the values of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading network. Koch's photograph situates Roland amidst the architecture of Bremen, emphasizing the statue's role within the city's cultural and political landscape. Photographs like these were not merely records, they were carefully constructed narratives. Consider how Koch chose this particular viewpoint, framing Roland as a symbol of strength and stability. As you look, reflect on how public monuments shape our understanding of history, and the stories they tell about who we are.