Paleis van Keizer Wilhelm te Berlijn

This stereoscopic image of Emperor William's Palace in Berlin was produced by The Great Western View Company of New York. Stereoscopic images like this one were popular in the late 19th century, and this image would have been viewed through a special viewer that created a three-dimensional effect. The company's name suggests its association with a spirit of expansion and conquest. Note how the image highlights not only the palace, but the busy streets of Berlin. These visual codes evoke a sense of national progress and wealth, reflecting Germany's ascendance as a major power on the European stage. As art historians, we must consider this image in its proper historical context. Was it meant to be propaganda? Was it purely commercial? We can better understand the function of this image by studying the history of photography, German history, and popular culture. Understanding how institutions shape art can help us to look more closely at images.