Cascadilla Creek, Ithaca, N.Y. Cascade above dam 1860 - 1865

This stereograph of Cascadilla Creek in Ithaca, New York, was created by J.C. Burritt. The composition draws us into a scene dominated by layered textures of water, rock and foliage. The monochromatic palette, ranging from deep grays to luminous whites, enhances the play of light and shadow, evoking a sense of depth and atmosphere. The stereograph’s dual image is key here. The near identical images, when viewed through a stereoscope, create a single three-dimensional view. The image is not just a representation but an experience, blurring the line between the viewer and the viewed. The image embodies a moment where the natural world is framed and presented for consumption. By understanding the formal qualities of the stereograph – its composition, dimensionality, and mode of presentation – we begin to appreciate the complex relationship between perception, representation, and technology.