Curatorial notes
This is a stereoscopic image of Mont Saint-Michel, captured by the photographer FB. During the nineteenth-century, stereoscopic images offered a captivating, immersive experience, transporting viewers to faraway places from the comfort of their homes. This technology was embraced as a tool for education, documentation, and entertainment, aligning perfectly with the era's fascination with exploration and discovery. Stereoscopic images played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of different cultures and landscapes, and became a powerful vehicle for cultural exchange. The abbey of Mont Saint-Michel represents a site of spirituality, pilgrimage, and fortification. A structure that has been at the center of political and religious life in France for centuries. Photographers like FB, played a role in disseminating its image, contributing to the site’s symbolic importance. The image’s romantic and picturesque aesthetic reflects cultural values and aesthetic preferences prevalent in the nineteenth century.
