Zaal met schilderijen in het paleis van Versailles c. 1860 - 1880

This stereoscopic image by Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy captures a room within the Palace of Versailles. In this medium we see not only the subject of the artwork, the palace, but also the format and brand of the photo producer: 'Imperial Residences Collection Lamy.' The stereoscopic photograph was popular in the 19th century because it allowed viewers to experience a sense of depth and realism, offering a new way to explore and document the world. Here we see the intersection of technology, commerce and a fascination with power and place, through which the artist allows the viewer to possess an image of one of the great houses of Europe. By studying photographs like these, alongside archival documents and historical accounts, we can deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between art, society, and power during the Second Empire in France. This image invites us to consider how photography contributed to the construction and dissemination of cultural narratives surrounding Versailles.