Gezicht op Lago Maggiore en Isola dei Pescatori vanaf Campino 1861 - 1878

Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy captured this view of Lago Maggiore and Isola dei Pescatori using a stereo photograph, a popular format in the late 19th century. The photograph offers a glimpse into the romanticized vision of nature and leisure that appealed to the burgeoning middle class during the industrial era. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Lakes, the scene evokes a sense of serenity. However, it's also important to consider what’s not depicted here. The rapid industrialization transformed the landscape for some, while only the privileged few had the means to escape to idyllic settings like this. Lamy's choice to frame the landscape through the leaves of a tree provides an immersive experience, inviting viewers to imagine themselves as part of the scene. Does the photograph inspire a sense of belonging and longing, or does it emphasize the exclusivity of such escapes during a time of great social change?