Gezicht op een abdij in Taormina 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu made this stereoscopic photograph, ‘View of an Abbey in Taormina,’ in the 19th century. The photographic process, itself a relatively new technology at the time, involves a complex interplay of chemistry and optics. The scene before us, an ancient abbey perched on a rugged hillside, gains a heightened sense of depth through the stereoscopic format. This effect was achieved by capturing two nearly identical images, then viewed together to simulate three-dimensional vision. Consider the materiality of the photograph – a thin paper print mounted on card, bearing a monochrome image achieved through the manipulation of light-sensitive chemicals. The tones and textures captured through this photographic process also provide a glimpse into the social context of its production. The abbey, a relic of a bygone era, is presented as a picturesque subject for the burgeoning tourist industry. Andrieu’s work prompts us to consider the relationship between the artwork and the modes of production, highlighting the intersections between art, commerce, and the act of looking.