Gezicht op (vermoedelijk) het paleis van koningin Maria Christina te Aranjuez 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu made this stereograph of what is thought to be Queen Maria Christina’s palace in Aranjuez, Spain, sometime in the mid-19th century. Stereographs were a popular form of entertainment and documentation during this period, creating a three-dimensional effect when viewed through a stereoscope. This image offers insight into the cultural and political climate of 19th-century Spain. Maria Christina was a controversial figure. As Queen Regent, she navigated a turbulent political landscape marked by Carlist Wars and struggles over succession. The image of her palace is interesting, as it presents both an assertion of royal power and privilege, while also being a commodity consumed by a wide audience. To fully understand the artwork's context, one must research Maria Christina's reign, the history of Aranjuez, and the rise of photography as a mass medium. The meaning of this stereograph is contingent on these historical and social factors.