Löwendenkmal te Luzern after 1873

This is Florentin Charnaux’s photographic image of the Löwendenkmal, or Lion Monument, in Luzern. It's a stereoscopic image, meaning that when viewed through a special device, it creates an illusion of three-dimensionality. Photography was a booming industry in the late 19th century, fueled by a burgeoning middle class eager to consume images of far-flung places and significant monuments. The stereoscopic format was particularly popular, offering an immersive experience of these scenes. Think about the labor involved in producing such an image. The photographer, the technicians who prepared the chemicals and printing materials, and the workers who assembled the final product. Each print was a commodity, contributing to a growing visual culture. Charnaux's photograph flattens the monument, but it also democratizes it, making it accessible to a wider audience who might never have the chance to see the Löwendenkmal in person. This photograph reminds us that art is not just about the singular masterpiece, but also about the systems of production and consumption that shape our understanding of the world.