Stereokijkend gezelschap aan tafel 1855 - 1875

This stereoscopic image by Charles Gaudin captures a group gathered around a table, each engrossed in a stereoscope, peering into another world. The act of looking itself becomes a powerful symbol, reminiscent of Plato’s cave, where shadows are mistaken for reality. Consider the motif of the veil, both literal and metaphorical, in the women’s attire. Veils suggest secrets and hidden truths. The act of looking through the stereoscope intensifies this sense of uncovering something concealed. It echoes the ancient Greek concept of "aletheia," the act of unveiling or revealing truth. Think of the many depictions of sight throughout art history, from the all-seeing eyes of ancient deities to the focused gazes of Renaissance portraits. Each tells a story about power, knowledge, and human perception. This scene invites us to reflect on the psychological and emotional dimensions of looking, as a quest for understanding and a confrontation with the unknown, as a window into our own subconscious desires and fears. The cyclical nature of symbols means that they can resurface with new meanings, in dialogue with the past and present, forever evolving, forever engaging.