Voorstelling van Britse soldaten die een beschieting uitvoeren vanaf een rotspartij in Belmont, Zuid-Afrika 1901

This stereograph shows British soldiers in Belmont, South Africa, and was produced anonymously using photographic techniques. Stereographs like this one were mass-produced, inexpensive images, and underscore the connection between photography and the industrialized world. The mode of production and distribution is as relevant as the image itself. The stereograph was created to fulfill the public's desire for a more intimate experience of the war, and also acted as a piece of propaganda. Looking closely, the sepia tones are a consequence of the chemical process used to develop the photograph, influenced by the materials available at the time. The stark contrast of light and shadow adds a dramatic quality, while also offering a glimpse into the landscape, climate, and location of the subject matter. The soldiers are shown camouflaged amongst rocks, with their weapons being trained on the enemy. The use of photography in this context marks a shift in how war and conflict were documented and perceived, bringing it directly to the masses for consumption. Understanding the materials and the social context of this image lets us think about the way conflict and labor have been visualized.