Sultanahmet Meydani plein in Istanboel 1861 - 1870

This stereoscopic photograph of the Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was taken by Charles Gaudin. It is a printed image on card stock, a relatively new technology at the time. The visual appeal of this artwork is dependent on the way it collapses space, bringing an exotic locale into the domestic sphere. Photography was still a relatively new process, dependent on optics, chemistry, and skilled labor. The photographic print is crisp, capturing the texture of the ancient obelisks. Stereoscopic images such as this one played an important role in shaping perceptions of different cultures, reflecting the West's fascination with the Ottoman Empire, and, of course, the commercial drive to satisfy public demand for exotic imagery. The photograph gives us insight into the technologies of image production that emerged in the 19th century, influencing cultural perceptions and the development of a global visual culture. It blurs the line between documentation, artistic expression, and commercial enterprise.