Roßtrappe in het Bodetal c. 1855 - 1880

This is a stereoscopic card of the Roßtrappe cliffs in the Bodetal valley, by E. Rose. Such images were very popular in the 19th century and were made by mounting two slightly different photographs side-by-side to create a 3D image when viewed through a special viewer. Here we see the Roßtrappe, a prominent rock formation overlooking the Bode Gorge in the Harz region of Germany. In the 19th century, as Germany industrialized, more and more people had the opportunity to travel for leisure. Picturesque, sublime landscapes became popular destinations, and images like this one helped to promote tourism. This image is not just a record of a place but an invitation, selling a vision of the natural world that is designed to appeal to a growing middle class. By studying travel guides, brochures, and other printed matter from the time, we can get a better understanding of how the natural world was being presented to and perceived by different audiences. Artworks like this are best understood in their social and institutional context.