Straat te Eaux-Bonnes c. 1858

This unassuming stereograph, "Straat te Eaux-Bonnes," offers us a glimpse into the social fabric of 19th-century France. The anonymous photographer captures a street in Eaux-Bonnes, a town nestled in the Pyrenees, likely during its heyday as a spa destination. Note the architecture, it speaks of an era defined by burgeoning tourism. These buildings are not merely functional; they are designed to appeal to the eye, catering to a clientele seeking leisure and perhaps a cure. As we look at the empty street, it is worth considering who is absent. Where are the working class, the indigenous populations? Their stories are often pushed to the margins in favor of narratives that serve the dominant culture. Think about this image, what stories remain untold? How does it feel to stand on this street, knowing its history is far more complex than what's immediately visible? This stereograph is not just a snapshot of a place; it is a mirror reflecting the values and biases of its time.