Verlichte fonteinen en de centrale koepel op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1889 1889

This is Jules Hippolyte Quéval's stereoscopic photograph, capturing the illuminated fountains and central dome at the 1889 Exposition Universelle. The photograph's composition is structured by a symmetrical arrangement of the two near identical images, each framing the dome at the center. The play of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, emphasizing the architectural grandeur. Quéval's choice to present this subject in a stereoscopic format invites a deeper analysis of perception and representation. This technique creates an illusion of three-dimensionality and reflects the era's fascination with optical devices. The photograph doesn't simply record a scene, but also engages with broader questions about technology, spectacle, and the construction of reality. It is a visual encoding of cultural values and technological progress. The very act of viewing this photograph becomes an experience of decoding cultural and technological signs. It reminds us that what we see is never neutral, but always mediated through specific technologies and historical contexts.