Lick Brook, near Ithaca, N.Y. 1st Fall 1860 - 1865

J.C. Burritt made this stereograph, "Lick Brook, near Ithaca, N.Y. 1st Fall," to be viewed with a stereoscope, a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century. Stereographs were a window onto the world for many, offering a sense of presence in distant places. This one captures the sublime beauty of nature, a theme that resonated deeply in a rapidly industrializing America. We can imagine the experience of viewing this image through a stereoscope, the landscape seeming to leap into three dimensions, evoking a powerful sense of immersion. Yet, we should also remember that these images often served to promote a particular vision of America, one that celebrated expansion and resource extraction, often at the expense of indigenous peoples and the environment. This photograph invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature, and how it is mediated by technology and cultural narratives.