Dierentuin in Brussel 1865 - 1875

This stereoscopic card by an anonymous photographer presents a view of the Brussels Zoo. The subdued sepia tones and symmetrical composition evoke a sense of classical order and measured observation. The repeated balustrades create a rhythmic horizontal emphasis, leading the eye towards the domed structure in the background. This architectural backdrop is softened by the out-of-focus effect, typical for early photography. The composition balances the foreground's tactile details with the background's more ethereal, dreamlike elements. The stereoscopic format invites us to question the nature of perception and representation. Is it mirroring objective reality or creating an idealised construct? Through this formal interplay, the photograph reflects a tension between scientific observation and aesthetic interpretation, characteristic of its time. It engages with how we understand space and representation, inviting continuous interpretation.