Gezicht op Sevilla met in de verte de Kathedraal van Sevilla 1862 - 1876

This is a stereoscopic photograph of Seville, showing the cathedral in the distance, made by Jean Andrieu sometime in the mid-19th century. Stereoscopic photographs like this one were very popular in the 19th century. By creating a 3D effect, they offered viewers a virtual experience of distant places. This photograph presents Seville as a site of architectural interest. The cathedral, a former mosque, symbolizes the layers of history and cultural exchange. This was the period of Spanish romanticism and the 'Orientalist' fascination with the Islamic and Jewish past of Spain. The rise of photography changed the way people saw the world. Photography democratized image-making, shifting the social function of art. Instead of grand historical paintings, people looked at faraway cities. To understand the meaning of this image better, one might look at tourist guides, historical records, and writings of the time to understand how Seville was perceived. It highlights the value of social context in understanding not only the image but also the social function of art.