Knielende man voor vrouw met dienblad c. 1890 - 1910

This photograph, made by the Universal Stereoscopic View Company, is a humble reminder of how mass production seeped into every aspect of life. Stereoscopic images like this one were made with a special camera that captured two slightly different views of the same scene, mimicking the way our eyes perceive depth. When viewed through a stereoscope, the two images merge to create a three-dimensional effect, offering a captivating sense of realism. The card itself is a product of industrial processes, from the paper it's printed on to the photographic emulsion that captures the image. Think of the labor involved in producing these cards on a massive scale. It's easy to dismiss something like this as a mere commercial product, but by considering the materials, the making process, and its place in the broader culture of consumption, we gain a richer understanding of its significance. By considering the labor, politics, and consumption involved in the production process, we can better appreciate the cultural significance of this humble object.