Statue of Queen Anne, St. Paul's, London 1850 - 1919

This stereograph, a photographic print, captures the Statue of Queen Anne at St. Paul's in London. The sepia tones and the rigid composition create a stark contrast between the monumentality of the statue and the surrounding urban architecture. The image is divided into two almost identical panels, inviting a comparative analysis of their spatial construction. The use of stereography, with its dual perspective, is intriguing. It mirrors the dualities present in the subject matter itself—the Queen as both a historical figure and a symbolic representation of power. Consider how this format destabilizes our perception, creating depth and volume, yet simultaneously presenting two separate views of the same reality. The repetitive nature of the stereograph prompts reflection on the very act of representation and how multiple perspectives might challenge fixed meanings. The duplication suggests a semiotic system, where the statue stands as a signifier, repeated and reinforced to convey its cultural and historical significance. The architectural setting adds another layer, framing the statue within a broader socio-political context. It invites us to question the values of representation and interpretation.