Gezicht op de Puente de Alcántara te Toledo 1862 - 1876

This stereoscopic image of the Puente de Alcántara in Toledo was created by Jean Andrieu, using an early photographic process. Notice how the photograph is mounted on card stock, complete with a printed caption. Photography in the 19th century was as much a craft as an art. Each image required meticulous preparation of the glass plate negative, often using the wet collodion process, followed by careful printing. It was far from the instant process we know today! The stereoscopic format, presenting two slightly different views, creates a three-dimensional effect when viewed through a special device. This lent a sense of realism and immersion, making it a popular form of entertainment and documentation. The mass production and distribution of these images also speaks to the growing accessibility of visual media, transforming how people experienced the world. Understanding the labor and techniques involved in this photographic print gives us a window into the cultural and economic context of the time, and highlights how even early photography was deeply intertwined with craft and industry.