Gezicht op de Dombrücke te Keulen c. 1860 - 1870

This stereoscopic view of the Dombrücke in Cologne was produced by Anselm Schmitz, a photographer active in the region during the late 19th century. Stereoscopic photography involved a specific industrial process: images like this were created using a special camera with two lenses, mimicking the distance between human eyes. When viewed through a stereoscope, the paired images merge into a single, three-dimensional scene. The choice of photography itself speaks volumes. Unlike painting or sculpture, photography was seen as a modern, mechanical medium, closely tied to industrialization and mass production. The stereoscopic format amplified this connection, offering viewers an immersive experience of the city that was both accessible and reproducible. The very act of capturing and disseminating these images reflects a shift in how people experienced and consumed the world around them, mass culture driven by technological advancements and ever-increasing market consumption. In short, this isn't just a picture; it's a testament to the changing landscape of art, technology, and society.