Mannen werken in de kalksteengroeve van Rüdersdorf, nabij Berlijn 1868 - 1870

This stereoscopic card shows "Mannen werken in de kalksteengroeve van Rüdersdorf, nabij Berlijn" [Men working in the limestone quarry of Rüdersdorf, near Berlin] by Johann Friedrich Stiehm. The arrangement of shapes and the use of monochromatic tones contribute to the documentative feel of this photographic image. The jagged, layered textures of the quarry walls dominate the composition. The stark contrast between light and shadow adds depth and drama, highlighting the rough, uneven surfaces. Linear elements, like the railway tracks and wooden supports, introduce a sense of perspective and structure. This composition can be seen as a reflection of the era's focus on industrial progress and the transformation of the natural landscape. The photograph invites us to consider the relationship between human labor and the environment. The monochromatic palette serves to emphasize the textural qualities of the stone. Consider how the artist used the limited color range to create a sense of depth and to draw attention to the materiality of the quarry. This image remains a powerful visual statement.