Gezicht op ruïnes te Straatsburg na de bombardementen tijdens de Frans-Duitse Oorlog 1870
Dimensions: height 85 mm, width 170 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This stereoscopic photograph by A. Hummler captures a haunting view of Strasbourg in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War. The image bears witness to the city's devastation, revealing the emotional and physical scars inflicted by the bombardments. Stereoscopic photography, popular at the time, offered viewers an immersive experience, creating a heightened sense of realism. This photograph would have placed viewers directly amidst the ruins, fostering a sense of empathy and perhaps even horror at the scale of destruction. The choice of this medium suggests an intention to convey the unfiltered truth of war's impact on urban life. Hummler's photograph invites reflection on the complex interplay of identity, conflict, and memory. It prompts us to consider whose stories are told in the aftermath of war and whose experiences are often overlooked. What does it mean to rebuild a city, and whose vision of the future prevails in the reconstruction? It stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring power of images to shape our understanding of history.
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